/ˈkʌnɪŋ/
cun·ning
BrE /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
NAmE /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
(disapproving)
able to get what you want in a clever way, especially by tricking or cheating sb
SYN crafty, wily
a cunning liar
He was as cunning as a fox.
clever and skilful
SYN ingenious
It was a cunning piece of detective work.
▸
cun·ning·ly
BrE /ˈkʌnɪŋli/
NAmE /ˈkʌnɪŋli/
The microphone was cunningly concealed in the bookcase.
cun·ning
BrE /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
NAmE /ˈkʌnɪŋ/
[U]
the ability to achieve sth by tricking or cheating other people in a clever way
SYN craftiness
It took energy and cunning just to survive.
She used low cunning (= dishonest behaviour) to get what she wanted.