can
auxiliary verb
to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to.
had been cunning
-
past perfect progressiveof can.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He had been cunning enough to make his pursuer think such was his intention.
From The Spirit of the Border by Zane Grey
Foolish boy that he was, he had been cunning.
From Shining Ferry by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
She had been cunning from the first, cunning to please Uya and to get food.
From Tales of Space and Time by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Comanches had been cunning in their malice.
From Vanguards of the Plains by Margaret Hill McCarter
He flattered himself that he had been cunning and self-mastered.
From The Snowshoe Trail by Edison Marshall
