also: さるじえ
noun
shallow cunning; superficial cleverness
Refers to cleverness that is petty, short-sighted, or lacking real wisdom, like a monkey's tricks. Often used critically.
彼の猿知恵では、この問題は解決できない。
His shallow cunning won't solve this problem.
猿知恵を働かせて、ごまかそうとしても無駄だ。
It's no use trying to deceive people with your superficial cleverness.