German word

gerissen

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈʁɪsn̩/

Meaning

  • adjectivecunning

Example

Er ist ein gerissener Mann.

He is a cunning man.

Illustration for gerissen (cunning)

More examples

Seine gerissene Strategie zahlte sich aus.

His cunning strategy paid off.

Core concept

A sharp-eyed person spots weak points in a situation and slips through them to gain an advantage.

Common phrases

  • ein gerissener Taktiker

    a cunning tactician

  • eine gerissene Strategie

    a cunning strategy

Similar words

schlau: Quick-witted and inventive when solving problems or finding a way forward.
listig: Uses clever schemes or wording to deceive others.
gewieft: Experienced and shrewd at maneuvering to secure an advantage.
hinterlistig: Secretly sets malicious traps without letting others notice.

Definition in German

Mit scharfer Auffassung und List Hindernisse umgehen, um sich Vorteile zu verschaffen.

Word origin

Gerissen is the adjective formed from the past participle of German reißen, meaning 'tear' or 'yank', and later developed a figurative sense for crafty conduct.

Usage tips

  • Gerissen usually carries a critical sense of craftiness or trickery, so it is less neutral than English 'shrewd' in many contexts.

Other meanings

  • shrewdadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Gerissenheitcunningnessnoun

Word lists with this word