can
auxiliary verb
to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to.
were cunning
-
past progressiveof can.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Under the smooth, suave lacquered surfaces were cunning contrivances to increase safety.
From Time Magazine Archive
“The Boltons have always been as cruel as they were cunning, but this one seems a beast in human skin,” said Glover.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Thick in his head he might be, but his hands were cunning.
From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks
Lions were regal and courageous; peacocks were proud; ants were industrious; foxes were cunning.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
The little creatures were cunning and hard to catch, but their meat was tender and rank.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
