adjective
fly
Clever and not easily deceived.
The old story's fly shopkeeper spots the trick immediately.
Etymology
The slang adjective first meant knowing or alert and later fashionable. These uses belong together; its deeper origin is uncertain.
More examples
- The fly gambler was not taken in by the false story.
- She described the sharp-eyed dealer as fly.
- He was too fly to accept the suspicious offer.
Forms
fly
Similar words
- shrewd
- A current word emphasizing practical cleverness and sound judgment.
- canny
- Emphasizes practical judgment and avoiding disadvantage.