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scaltro

shrewd, cunning

adjective SKAL-troh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Personality

Usage Note

Scaltro implies clever resourcefulness with a hint of craftiness — closer to 'savvy' or 'wily' than purely 'intelligent'. It can be mildly admiring or mildly pejorative depending on context. The related noun is scaltrezza (shrewdness). It is distinct from furbo, which leans more toward being sly or devious.

Examples

"È un negoziatore scaltro e difficile da ingannare."

Natural Translation

He is a shrewd negotiator and difficult to deceive.

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