Tricksy: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is playful and a bit mischievous. It can have a slightly negative connotation, but often in a light-hearted, not very harmful way.

• The tricksy cat always finds new ways to steal food from the table

Indicates someone who is good at deceiving people to achieve their goals, often with a negative connotation. It suggests cleverness in a sneaky or manipulative way.

• The cunning fox outsmarted everyone in the village by stealing their chickens every night

Refers to someone who is secretive and cunning, often with a negative connotation. It can also imply a certain smoothness or charm while being deceitful.

• With a sly wink, he passed the information to his partner without anyone noticing

Describes someone who is clever at achieving their aims by indirect or deceitful methods. It can imply skillfulness, especially in making or doing things.

• She's a crafty negotiator, always finding a way to get the best deal

Used to describe actions or appearances that give a false impression or trick people. This term is usually negative and implies dishonesty.

• The ad was deceptive, making the product seem much better than it actually was

Used to describe something or someone that is cunning, mischievous, and perhaps a bit deceitful. It often has a playful, but slightly negative connotation.

• That tricksy little fox managed to steal the bait again.
• The magician's tricksy performance left the audience baffled.

Describes something that is difficult to deal with or manage because it requires skill or care. It often implies an element of deception or the need for careful handling and can have a slightly negative undertone.

• Navigating through the narrow passage was tricky.
• The interview questions were quite tricky and caught everyone off guard.

Used when describing something that has many parts, details, or steps, making it hard to understand or deal with. This term can have a neutral to mildly negative connotation.

• The instructions for assembling the furniture were really complicated.
• Their relationship is quite complicated and hard to figure out.

Appropriate for situations that present difficulty and require effort, skill, or determination to overcome. It is a neutral term often used in a constructive or positive manner.

• Building a treehouse can be a challenging project.
• Solving the puzzle was quite challenging, but rewarding.

Best for situations where something is confusing or puzzling, causing someone to think deeply or feel baffled. It often has a slightly stronger negative connotation compared to 'challenging'.

• The math problem was so perplexing that nobody could solve it.
• It is perplexing how he managed to disappear without a trace.