devious

Adjective complement with noun phrase

have: Do you stand against them, or do you have something more devious in mind?

Modifies a noun

• trick: Such are the devious tricks by which the European Commission gets its way.
• tactic: A spokesperson for Jubilee Campaign, says, " These devious tactics to convert Christians to Islam are being used by Muslim extremists.
• plot: Are you a fan of murder mystery, mayhem and dark, devious plots?
• creature: These devious creatures gleefully toss spare parts in where they will most confuse us.
• route: We were allowed to take anything useful for flood relief, the lorries having to take devious routes to avoid the flooded roads.
• mind: Martha, too, is not without a devious mind of her own.

Modifying Another Word

• very: They are very devious people, " said DI Sheldon.
• extremely: However even this is not his strongest ability - Mandala is very smart and extremely devious, and that is his greatest strength.
• rather: Reg at Rickmansworth looks at the current situation and suggests a few rather devious ploys you might adopt to get the money.
• too: If people are too devious about it, that's when there's a bit of a problem.
• also: Lenin is presented as a tough, determined, complex, highly-intelligent but also devious person.
• truly: This game gives the truly devious pupil a chance to shine.

Used with adjective complement

• become: These people have not changed - their mindset has become more devious, their minions the more hungry for power.
• get: There follows a series of cartoon-like capers as you get more crafty and the bird gets ever more devious.