Artfulness

GUILE

Sly cleverness might describe the cunning behind this five-letter word.

"Artfulness" hints at cleverness or cunning, which is exactly what "guile" means—it’s the ability to deceive or manipulate in a sly, skillful way. The clue plays it straight here, with no hidden wordplay or tricks; it’s a direct definition where the answer matches the idea of being artfully sneaky. Think of someone using charm to outsmart others—that’s guile in action.