disapproval If you describe someone as conniving, you mean you dislike them because they make secret plans in order to get things for themselves or harm other people. Edith was seen as a conniving, greedy woman. = scheming. a conniving person secretly tries to gain something or harm someone - used to show disapproval
disapproval If one person connives with another to do something, they secretly try to achieve something which will benefit both of them. He accused ministers of conniving with foreign companies to tear up employment rights Senior politicians connived to ensure that he was not released. local authorities suspected of conniving with the Mafia
To close the eyes upon a fault; to wink (at); to fail or forbear by intention to discover an act; to permit a proceeding, as if not aware of it; usually followed by at