If you describe someone or their behaviour as wily, you mean that they are clever at achieving what they want, especially by tricking people. His appointment as prime minister owed much to the wily manoeuvring of the President. = cunning. clever at getting what you want, especially by tricking people = cunning (wile; WILES)
marked by skill in deception; "cunning men often pass for wise"; "deep political machinations"; "a foxy scheme"; "a slick evasive answer"; "sly as a fox"; "tricky Dik"; "a wily old attorney"