Basic Details
Word: Canny
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Clever and practical; being careful and wise in making decisions or deals.
Synonyms: Shrewd, astute, clever
Antonyms: Foolish, naive, reckless
Idioms and Phrases
- Canny as a fox: Used to describe someone who is very clever and good at tricking others. Example: "She was as canny as a fox when she negotiated her salary."
- Play it canny: To act in a careful and wise way to avoid trouble. Example: "He decided to play it canny and not invest all his savings at once."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The canny entrepreneur found ways to save costs while increasing profits.
Example 2: She made a canny decision to study during the summer to improve her grades.
Example 3: It was canny of him to keep his true intentions hidden until the right moment.
Fun Fact
The word "canny" originates from the Scottish term "canny," which means "skillful" or "careful," and has been used in English since the 16th century.
Famous Quote
"Being canny is knowing how to play your cards right in a complex game." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "canny" mean?
a) Silly and careless
b) Clever and practical
c) Loud and annoying
d) Quiet and shy
Answer: b) Clever and practical
2. Which of these is a synonym for "canny"?
a) Foolish
b) Shrewd
c) Reckless
d) Naive
Answer: b) Shrewd
3. Which word is an antonym of "canny"?
a) Astute
b) Clever
c) Naive
d) Shrewd
Answer: c) Naive
4. Which of these sentences uses "canny" correctly?
a) The canny student studied carefully for her exams.
b) He was canny enough to dive into the pool.
c) She felt canny after eating too many sweets.
d) The canny chair sat in the corner of the room.
Answer: a) The canny student studied carefully for her exams.
5. What does the idiom "play it canny" mean?
a) To be loud and boisterous
b) To act foolishly without thinking
c) To act carefully and wisely
d) To dance joyfully
Answer: c) To act carefully and wisely
