Meaning

Cunning or sharp, sneaky smart.

Origin

From 13th-century England, tied to foxes; cunning in lore, slang by 1300s in a Chaucer tale for wile. A 1380s poem uses it for a trick.

Variants

  • As a fox

Usage Examples

  • He's sly as a fox; fooled us all.
  • Sly as a fox; she nabbed the deal.
  • Sly as a fox; watch his moves.

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