cagey

Also cag·y

[key-jee]

adjective

cagier, cagiest 

1. cautious, wary, or shrewd.

   a cagey reply to the probing question.

   Synonyms: chary, leery, prudent, careful
   Antonyms: forthright, open

cagey

/ ˈkeɪdʒɪ /

adjective

1. informal,  not open or frank; cautious; wary

Other Word Forms

• cagily adverb
• caginess noun
• cageyness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cagey¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; cage + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cagey¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

It was a cagey start with both seemingly intent on a scouting mission, Crocker pawing his right hand as Donovan missed with some early shots but did land late in the round.

From BBC

It was a cagey opening period which was dominated by high kicks and handling errors.

From BBC

It was a cagey opening round with both flicking out jabs which were falling short as perhaps they did not want to be the first to overly commit.

From BBC

With what's at stake, though, it might be a little cagier than that.

From BBC

In a cagey encounter, players appeared fatigued with both teams untidy in possession and lacking quality in the final third.

From BBC

Related Words

• circumspect 
• crafty 
• secretive 
• shrewd 
• wily