adjective
devious
DEE-vee-uhs/ˈdiːviəs/
Using secretive or dishonest methods to achieve a goal.
The devious player hides an extra ace in her sleeve.
Etymology
The original image is of being off the main road rather than following a direct route. This became a figurative description of indirect or deceitful ways of reaching a goal.
In context
by this devious route they hoped to worm out of Mrs. Parker some inside information about Parker's rubber schemes, which he hadn't divulged even to his partners in business.
More examples
- His plan was devious.
- She exposed the devious scheme.
- They disliked his devious methods.
Forms
devious
deviously adverb — by secretive or dishonest means
Similar words
- underhanded
- Secretly dishonest.
- cunning
- Cleverly strategic, not always dishonest.