Slily

Slyly describes an action or behavior performed in a cunning, crafty, and often secretive manner, typically with the intention of deceiving or tricking someone. It suggests an artful and subtle way of achieving a desired outcome, often through cleverness, indirectness, or guile. The act of acting slyly can involve withholding information, manipulating situations, or using deceptive tactics to gain an advantage, avoid detection, or achieve a personal agenda. This can be seen as a way to manipulate, or outmaneuver others. It often carries a connotation of cleverness that may not be seen as honest, and it frequently implies a degree of amusement or satisfaction on the part of the person acting slyly.

Slily meaning with examples

• The fox, slyly eyeing the plump hen, waited patiently by the coop, its movements calculated to minimize any alarm. It planned a quick, silent attack. Its sneaky behavior made it almost impossible for the farmer to catch it. The fox's sly approach showcased its innate cunning and mastery of deception in achieving its goal.
• Instead of openly disagreeing with the boss, she slyly planted doubts in a colleague's mind about the new project. It seemed an effective alternative that she did not wish to engage in herself. Her sly manipulation would hopefully cause the team to fail. This approach ensured that her concerns were addressed. The boss remained unaware of her involvement.
• The detective slyly observed the suspect's reaction to the news, looking for any subtle hints that would reveal a guilty conscience. She subtly probed the suspect’s answers, trying to get the evidence she needed. He noticed their slight increase in heart rate as they answered her questions. This careful observation gave him the edge.
• During the card game, he slyly peeked at the other players' hands, using a mirror concealed in his sleeve to gain an unfair advantage. He had been caught doing it before, and he'd gotten better at it each time. His sly move gave him an upper hand on the competition. The other players looked at him with annoyance.