Crafty
/ˈkrɑːfti/
Definitions
Characterized by cleverness and often deceitful behavior; cunning.
/ˈkrɑːfti/
Clever at achieving things, often by deceit or trickery.
The crafty salesman convinced the customer to buy the expensive product.
💡 Simply: When someone's being crafty, they're like a sneaky detective. They're super clever and know how to get what they want, maybe by tricking or outsmarting others. Think of a cartoon villain plotting their next move!
👶 For kids: Being sneaky and clever, like a fox who tricks other animals.
More Examples
Her crafty plan to win the game worked perfectly.
He's a crafty negotiator, always finding a way to get the best deal.
How It's Used
"The crafty fox outsmarted the hounds."
"The politician used a crafty strategy to win the election."
Idioms & expressions
crafty as a fox
Very clever and cunning, especially in a way that involves trickery or deceit.
"She's as crafty as a fox; I wouldn't trust her with anything important."
From Middle English *crafti*, from Old English *cræftig* ('skillful, strong'), from *cræft* ('skill, art').
The word 'crafty' has been used since the Old English period, initially meaning 'skillful.' Its meaning evolved to include the connotation of cunning and deceit over time.
Memory tip
Think of a crafty fox using its cleverness to get food.
Word Origin
"skillful, strong"