Wily Meaning in English
word
ˈwaɪɫi
WYE-lee
wˈaɪli
WYE-lee
Definition
Clever at gaining an advantage, especially by using trickery or deceit; skilled at being sly or crafty.
Usage & Nuances
'Wily' often describes people (or animals, like 'a wily fox') who achieve their goals through clever tricks rather than open honesty. It's slightly negative, implying cunning and sneakiness. Common collocations: 'wily politician', 'wily opponent'.
Spanish: astuto - sagaz - listo (para engañar)Portuguese (BR): astuto - sagaz - esperto (em enganar)Portuguese (PT): astuto - astucioso - manhosoChinese (Simplified): 狡猾的 - 诡计多端的Chinese (Traditional): 狡猾的 - 詭計多端的Hindi: चतुर - मक्कार - चालाकArabic: مخادع - داهيةBengali: ছলনাপর - চাতুর্যপূর্ণRussian: хитрый - лукавыйJapanese: ずる賢い - 狡猾なVietnamese: xảo quyệt - ranh maKorean: 교활한 - 약삭빠른Turkish: kurnaz - sinsiUrdu: عیار - مکارIndonesian: licik - cerdik
Example Sentences
The wily fox escaped from the trap.
basic
She is a wily negotiator and always gets the best deal.
basic
The wily salesman tricked many customers.
basic
Don’t underestimate him—he’s as wily as they come.
natural
That was a wily move—nobody saw it coming.
natural
People say the new CEO is both charming and wily.
natural