8 uses
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1 —1 use as in:
a cunning thief
Definition
being good at achieving goals through cleverness — and typically through deception as well (tricking others)
- You perceive the devilish cunning of it, for really it would be almost impossible to make a case against the real murderer.Chapter 15 — A Retrospection (41% in)
cunning = cleverness
There are no more uses of "cunning" flagged with this meaning in The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —7 uses
exact meaning not specified
- "A cunning preparation of it," said Holmes, sniffing at the dead animal.Chapter 14 — The Hound of the Baskervilles (52% in)
- The cunning rascal!Chapter 5 — Three Broken Threads (96% in)
- The light beneath him was reflected in his small, cunning eyes which peered fiercely to right and left through the darkness, like a crafty and savage animal who has heard the steps of the hunters.Chapter 9 — Second Report of Dr. Watson (87% in)
- But, by heavens, cunning as he is, the fellow shall be in my power before another day is past!Chapter 12 — Death on the Moor (67% in)
- The fellow is wary and cunning to the last degree.Chapter 12 — Death on the Moor (70% in)
- There's the devilish cunning of it!Chapter 13 — Fixing the Nets (5% in)
- It was a cunning device, for, apart from the chance of driving your victim to his death, what peasant would venture to inquire too closely into such a creature should he get sight of it, as many have done, upon the moor?Chapter 14 — The Hound of the Baskervilles (98% in)
There are no more uses of "cunning" in The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Typical Usage
(best examples)