Wily

Wily describes someone or something that is skilled at gaining an advantage, especially through cunning, deception, or trickery. It implies cleverness and resourcefulness, often used to outsmart or evade others. This cunning is frequently employed to achieve a desired outcome, sometimes through subtle means or indirect approaches. A wily person might manipulate situations or exploit weaknesses to their benefit, showcasing an astute understanding of human nature and circumstances. It suggests a degree of shrewdness and craftiness, frequently used to overcome challenges and attain objectives, showcasing an ability to think outside the box and anticipate actions.

Wily meaning with examples

• The wily fox evaded the farmer's traps for months, stealing chickens with impunity. Its cunning plan involved navigating through unseen routes, using knowledge of the landscape. The farmer was constantly outsmarted by its resourcefulness and ability to adapt, highlighting its remarkable ability to survive and thrive in his environment, showcasing its cleverness and cunning.
• A wily negotiator secured a lucrative deal by subtly influencing the other party's perspective. Their wily tactics included making offers that seemed fair but contained significant advantages. They deftly masked their objectives and leveraged their understanding of people. It demonstrated the negotiator’s shrewdness and skillful manipulation of the negotiations, resulting in a favorable agreement.
• The wily detective used deceptive questioning to extract a confession from the suspect. The detective's approach involved carefully constructed false leads and misleading statements, demonstrating a keen insight into the suspect's vulnerabilities. It showcased the detective's intelligence and ability to trick the individual, bringing an end to the case.
• Her wily strategy for winning the game involved carefully planned moves and anticipating her opponent’s actions. She employed strategic maneuvers, which forced her opponent into unfavorable positions. This demonstrated her foresight and craftiness, her use of strategic actions securing her victory and demonstrating her intelligence.