Definition: concealing crafty designs for advancing your own interest
Usage: a selfish and designing nation obsessed with the dark schemes of European intrigue- W.Churchill; a scheming wife; a scheming gold digger
Similar words: artful
Definition: marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft
Usage: the artful dodger; an artful choice of metaphors
Synonyms: calculating, calculative, scheming, shrewd, conniving
Definition: used of persons
Usage: the most calculating and selfish men in the community