Direct Translation:
* ずる賢い狐 (zurukenai kitsune): This literally translates to "sly fox," emphasizing the fox's cunning and cleverness.
Figurative Expressions:
* ずるがしこい狐 (zurugashikoi kitsune): Similar to "sly fox," but with an added emphasis on the fox's ability to manipulate others.
* 策略家 狐 (sakuryakuka kitsune): This translates to "strategist fox," emphasizing the fox's ability to plan and execute cunning schemes.
* 狡猾な狐 (kyōkatsu na kitsune): This translates to "cunning fox," implying the fox's ability to deceive and outsmart others.
Using Proverbs:
* 狐につままれた (kitsune ni tsumama reta): This proverb literally means "caught by a fox." It implies being tricked or fooled by someone cunning, like a fox.
The best way to choose the right phrase depends on the specific context and the level of trickiness you want to convey.