sneaky

Everyday

1. Doing things in a secret, sly way so that other people do not notice. tree →
2. Done quietly or secretly, often to get an advantage or to trick someone. tree →
3. (informal) Small and hidden but clever, like a sneaky trick or a sneaky snack. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it tells the reader a character is sly, secretive or not to be trusted, or is cleverly avoiding being seen. In everyday talk it often means a small naughty act: «a sneaky look», «a sneaky biscuit». In maths problems «a sneaky trick question» warns that the obvious answer is wrong. Phrases: «sneaky look», «sneaky peek», «sneaky trick», «sneaky little».

Examples

• The sneaky fox crept up to the henhouse at night. tree →
• My brother had a sneaky look at his presents before his birthday. tree →
• That was a sneaky move in the chess game! tree →
• Mum caught me having a sneaky biscuit before tea. tree →
• The question was sneaky: it asked for the difference, not the sum. tree →
• Don't be sneaky — tell the teacher what really happened. tree →
• The cat is sneaky and steals food off the bench. tree →
• She gave a sneaky smile because she knew the answer. tree →
• “Sneaky tell-tale!” Tink called out from somewhere round the corner. tree →

Note

Comparative «sneakier», superlative «sneakiest»; adverb «sneakily», noun «sneakiness». Comes from «sneak» (to move quietly). «Sneaky» can be playful (a sneaky snack) or a criticism (a sneaky liar); the tone tells which. In the UK and Australia «a sneak» can also mean a child who tells tales.