sneaky
/'sni:ki/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Acting or done in a secretive, stealthy, or underhanded way to avoid notice: Characterized by quiet, cautious, and secretive behavior, taking care not to be observed. 2. Marked by deception or dishonesty: Involving trickery, deceit, or dishonest methods to achieve an objective.
Usage
The adjective "sneaky" describes a person, action, or behavior that is secretive, dishonest, or intended to avoid detection. It often carries a negative connotation of being untrustworthy or sly.
Examples
- Describing a person or their nature:
- He's a sneaky person who never tells you what he's really planning.
- I don't trust him; he has a sneaky look in his eyes.
- Describing an action or behavior:
- That was a sneaky trick to get the last cookie.
- She took a sneaky glance at her notes during the test.
Advanced Usage
- "Sneaky suspicion": A private, intuitive feeling or hunch about something, often formed without clear evidence.
- I have a sneaky suspicion that he already knows about the surprise party.
- "Sneaky peek": A quick, secretive look at something.
- Can I have a sneaky peek at your birthday present?
Variants and Related Words
- Sneak (verb/noun): To move or act in a stealthy, secretive way; a person who acts in such a way.
- He tried to sneak into the movie theater without a ticket.
- Sneakily (adverb): In a sneaky manner.
- She sneakily replaced the empty milk carton in the fridge.
Synonyms
- Furtive: Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
- Stealthy: Behaving or done in a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard.
- Underhanded: Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way.
- Deceitful: Guilty of or involving deceit; intended to deceive.
Antonyms
- Open: Done or acting without concealment.
- Honest: Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
- Forthright: Direct and outspoken; straightforward.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- On the sneak: Acting in a secretive or furtive manner. (Informal/archaic)
- He's been coming home on the sneak to avoid his landlord.
- Sneak attack: A sudden, unexpected assault made without warning.
- The video game boss is vulnerable except during its sneak attacks.
Adjective
- marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
- a furtive manner
- a sneak attack
- stealthy footsteps
- a surreptitious glance at his watch
- marked by deception
- achieved success in business only by underhand methods