cunning or sly behaviour crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "cunning or sly behaviour," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "cunning or sly behaviour crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ART: Often refers to 'artifice' or 'cleverness', a short answer for cunning behaviour.
5 Letters
GUILE: Skillful deceit, cunning, or duplicity.
CRAFT: Cunning, especially in planning or execution; sly ingenuity.
6 Letters
DECEIT: The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.
7 Letters
SLYNESS: The quality of being cunning, deceitful, or artful.
8 Letters
TRICKERY: The practice of using tricks; deception.
ARTIFICE: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.
More About "cunning or sly behaviour crossword clue"
The concept of "cunning or sly behaviour" is a staple in crossword puzzles, as it offers a rich vein of synonyms and related terms. This type of clue taps into human nature, describing actions or traits that are subtle, deceptive, or shrewdly manipulative. Words like GUILE, DECEIT, and SLYNESS capture the essence of behaviour that isn't straightforward, often involving a hidden agenda or a clever way to outwit others.
In crosswords, clues about cunning often test your vocabulary beyond the most common words. They might refer to historical figures known for their trickery, literary characters, or even specific methods of deception. Understanding the various nuances – from outright lies (DECEIT) to clever, understated manipulation (ARTIFICE) – is key to cracking these clues.
Sometimes, the clue might be a verb or adjective describing the act of being cunning, which then requires you to think of the noun form of that behaviour. Always consider the context of the puzzle, the number of letters, and any intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities for this intriguing type of clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword setters frequently use synonyms to hint at an answer. For "cunning or sly behaviour," think of all words that convey similar meanings of shrewdness, deception, or cleverness. Sometimes, understanding the antonym can also help you eliminate possibilities.
- Consider Word Length and Structure: The number of letters in the answer is your most important constraint. Use it to filter out words that are too long or too short. Also, observe if the clue implies a singular or plural noun, a verb, or an adjective, as the answer typically matches the grammatical form.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Many crossword clues, especially those concerning abstract concepts or human traits, have multiple layers of meaning. 'ART' as a solution for 'cunning behaviour' might seem unusual until you consider its relation to 'artifice'. Always be prepared for less common or slightly archaic synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cunning' mean in the context of a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'cunning' often points to synonyms like 'artifice,' 'guile,' 'slyness,' 'craft,' or 'deceit.' It suggests a clever or subtle way of achieving something, often through trickery or indirect methods. Look for words that describe cleverness applied to deception or shrewdness.
How do I find synonyms for abstract concepts like 'behaviour' in crosswords?
For abstract concepts, think about specific manifestations or qualities of that concept. For 'behaviour,' consider what kind of behaviour is described (e.g., 'sly,' 'cunning'). Then brainstorm synonyms for the descriptive word and combine them with possible nouns for 'behaviour' or its aspects (e.g., 'guile,' 'artifice,' 'deceit' all describe specific types of behaviour).
Are there common crossword traps for clues about deceit or trickery?
Yes, common traps include misinterpreting the specific nuance of 'deceit' (is it outright lying, or subtle manipulation?), or overlooking shorter, less obvious synonyms like 'ART' (for artifice) or 'WILY'. Sometimes the clue might hint at a specific person known for trickery, or a type of act, rather than the abstract concept itself. Always consider the word length and any other crossing letters.