sidling
Creeping sideways furtively
Sidling is moving sideways, especially in a cautious, furtive, or unobtrusive manner.
The word suggests someone trying not to draw attention while approaching or retreating: He sidled up to her at the bar.
To sidle past someone is to squeeze by without making full contact.
The movement implies hesitation or shyness—you don't sidle boldly.
Stealthily deceptive
- slyCleverly deceptive
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
covert · clandestine · inconspicuous · unobtrusive · discreet · shadowy · skulking · lurking
Not straight or immediate
- obliqueAngled, not straightforward
- circumspectCarefully considering consequences
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- guardedWary and restrained
coy · noncommittal · roundabout · sideways · cagey · tentative · hesitant · wary
Stealthy, slow movement
sneaky
Stealthily deceptive
surreptitious · covert · clandestine · inconspicuous · unobtrusive · discreet · shadowy · skulking · lurking · hidden
indirect
Not straight or immediate
- obliqueAngled, not straightforward
- circumspectCarefully considering consequences
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
guarded · coy · noncommittal · roundabout · sideways · cagey · tentative · hesitant · wary · hedging
creep
Stealthy, slow movement
slink · ease · slip · glide · drift · shift · scoot · nudge · worm · shimmy
advance
Move or progress forward