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hinterhältig

sneaky, underhanded

adjective HIN-ter-hel-tikh Rare

Also means

treacherous, devious

Usage Note

Hinterhältig literally evokes lying in ambush (Hinterhalt = ambush) and describes someone who acts in a hidden, deceptive, or malicious way. It is strongly negative and more serious than tückisch, often implying deliberate concealment of harmful intent.

Examples

"Die hinterhältige Kampagne gegen sie war von langer Hand geplant."

Natural Translation

The underhanded campaign against her had been planned long in advance.

Literal Translation

The devious campaign against her was from long hand planned.

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