also: さるじえ
shallow cunning; superficial cleverness
Refers to cleverness that is petty, short-sighted, or lacking real wisdom, like a monkey's tricks. Often used critically.
His shallow cunning won't solve this problem.
It's no use trying to deceive people with your superficial cleverness.
The general word for 'wisdom' or 'intelligence'. 猿知恵 adds a negative, belittling nuance.
Standard kanji spelling. The reading さるぢえ is the historical kana usage; modern pronunciation is さるじえ.
Kana spelling reflecting the modern pronunciation. さるじえ is irregular kana usage, but it is a common practical spelling.
Compound of 猿 (さる, 'monkey') and 知恵 (ちえ, 'wisdom'). The term likens shallow, cunning intelligence to the tricks of a monkey. The historical kana spelling さるぢえ reflects the older pronunciation.