A wile is a clever trick or cunning strategy used to deceive someone or get what you want. The word often appears in its plural form, wiles, describing the various clever tactics someone might use.

When a clever fox uses wiles to steal eggs from a henhouse, it might distract the farmer by making noise on one side while sneaking in from the other. In classic stories, characters known for their wiles succeed through brains rather than strength: they outsmart their opponents with elaborate plans and unexpected moves.

The word carries a somewhat playful feeling, though it can describe both harmless cleverness and more serious deception. A younger sibling might use wiles to convince you to share your dessert, perhaps by being extra sweet or making you laugh. A chess player might use wiles to lure an opponent into a trap.

The famous cartoon character Wile E. Coyote gets his name from this word. He constantly devises elaborate schemes to catch the Road Runner, though his wiles always backfire spectacularly. His name perfectly captures someone who relies on cunning plans, even if those plans don't always work out as intended.