小こ利り口こう

na-adjective, noun

clever; smart; shrewd

Often carries a slightly negative nuance of being clever in a shallow or cunning way, rather than deeply wise. Can be used both as a noun and as a na-adjective.

• 彼かれは小こ利り口こうなやり方かたで試し験けんをパスした。

  He passed the exam by a clever little trick.

• あの子こは小こ利り口こうで、すぐに大人おとなの顔かお色いろをうかがう。

  That child is shrewd and quickly reads adults' expressions.