Slyness refers to the quality of being deceitfully clever, often using subtle or crafty methods to achieve one’s goals. It involves manipulating situations or people with skill and cunning, typically without revealing one’s true intentions. Sly individuals are often seen as sneaky or crafty, using their wit to get ahead, but their actions usually lack transparency and honesty. While slyness may be admired in some contexts, especially in competitive environments, it typically carries a negative connotation when associated with dishonesty or trickery. The word suggests a type of behavior that is both clever and misleading, where the person’s true motives are hidden behind a façade of charm or cleverness.
10 Sentences Using “Slyness”:
- His slyness in avoiding responsibility was a source of frustration for his coworkers.
- She used her slyness to manipulate the situation to her advantage without anyone noticing.
- The slyness of his plan was revealed when others realized how he had misled them.
- Her slyness in dealing with difficult customers made her one of the best salespeople in the store.
- The politician’s slyness in twisting the facts to fit his narrative was highly criticized.
- His slyness in getting away with cheating on the test went unnoticed by the teacher.
- The thief’s slyness in covering his tracks made it difficult for the police to catch him.
- With a combination of charm and slyness, he convinced everyone that his ideas were the best.
- The slyness with which he took advantage of others made him a dangerous ally.
- Her slyness in dealing with the situation allowed her to escape without any consequences.
Synonyms for “Slyness”:
- Cunning
- Craftiness
- Deceitfulness
- Trickery
- Guile
- Slyness
- Deception
- Artifice
- Subterfuge
- Duplicity
Antonyms for “Slyness”:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Openness
- Straightforwardness
- Sincerity
- Transparency
- Truthfulness
- Candor
- Trustworthiness
- Frankness
Related Words for “Slyness”:
- Sly (adjective)
- Slyly (adverb)
- Cunning
- Trickery
- Deception
- Manipulation
- Guile
- Subterfuge
- Craftiness
- Scheming
Phrasal Verbs for “Slyness”:
- Lead on (to deceive or mislead someone by giving false hope or promises)
- Trick into (to manipulate or deceive someone into doing something)
- Pull off (to successfully execute a plan or trick, often deceitfully)
- Set up (to deceive someone into a situation where they are at a disadvantage)
- Get away with (to escape punishment or consequence for deceitful actions)
Idiomatic Expressions for “Slyness”:
- “Pull the wool over someone’s eyes” (to deceive or trick someone into believing something false)
- “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” (someone who appears harmless but is deceitful or dangerous)
- “Behind someone’s back” (to do something secretly or deceitfully)
- “Play dirty” (to use underhanded or dishonest tactics to win or succeed)
- “Have a hidden agenda” (to have secret or selfish motives that are not revealed)