wily fox
Sly forest schemer
A wily fox is someone cunning and crafty, skilled at deception or manipulation.
The phrase draws on the fox's folkloric reputation for cleverness and trickery: He's a wily fox—don't trust his offer.
Often used with grudging admiration for someone who outsmarts others.
- cunningSly, scheming cleverness
- slyCleverly deceptive
- cleverShowing mental quickness
- tricksterCunning deceiver in myth
- craftyCleverly deceptive
scheming · devious · scamp · rogue · slinky · russet · red fur · den · prowl · henhouse · chicken coop · bushy · tail · snout · hunt · predator · Reynard · fable
- fox folklorekitsune, Reynard, trickster tales
cunning/naivety
wily foxsimple soul
Artless, trusting individual
babe in the woods · sitting duck · easy mark · honest John · straight shooter