
Wily
Sneaky Intelligence
Wily implies a cleverness used for trickery or deception.
The wily con artist fooled everyone with his scheme.
Negative Connotation
Although 'wily' involves cleverness, it often has a negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty.
He had a reputation as a wily businessman with dubious ethics.
Nuanced Usage
'Wily' can be used admiringly for resourcefulness, even if the methods are questionable.
She admired her grandmother's wily way of solving problems.