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.
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.
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.