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sly

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /slaɪ/

sly means: Done in a clever, hidden way, sometimes suggesting a secret joke or intention.

adjective

SECRETLY SUGGESTIVEB2

Done in a clever, hidden way, sometimes suggesting a secret joke or intention.

  • She gave me a sly smile.
  • He made a sly remark about my cooking.
  • With a sly wink, they slipped out of the room.

Similar words: knowing, subtle, crafty

Opposites: open

Common phrases: a sly smile, a sly wink, a sly remark, a sly trick

CLEVERLY DECEITFULB2

Clever at hiding your real intentions and deceiving other people.

  • He's too sly to trust.
  • The sly salesman hid the extra charges.
  • She was sly enough to blame someone else.

Similar words: cunning, crafty, wily

Opposites: honest, straightforward

Common phrases: a sly person, a sly fox, sly and cunning, a sly child

Questions about sly

What does sly mean?

Done in a clever, hidden way, sometimes suggesting a secret joke or intention.

What is sly in other languages?

Türkçe: imalı · Español: pícaro · Français: malicieux · Deutsch: verschmitzt · Italiano: malizioso · 日本語: 意味ありげな

How do you pronounce sly?

It is pronounced /slaɪ/.

How do you use sly in a sentence?

She gave me a sly smile. He made a sly remark about my cooking.

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