In literature, “devious” is often used to evoke images of winding, circuitous paths—both literal and metaphorical. Writers employ the term to describe physical journeys that are not straightforward, such as terrain that twists unpredictably through mountains or urban alleys [1] [2], as well as the elusive, indirect measures characters take in pursuit of their goals [3] [4]. Beyond physical pathways, the word conveys a sense of subterfuge or inherent complexity in human behavior, suggesting that life’s course may be as labyrinthine as a maze, replete with unexpected turns and hidden challenges [5] [6]. In this way, “devious” enriches the narrative by hinting at secret maneuvers and morally ambiguous actions, thereby deepening the reader’s sense of foreboding and intellectual curiosity about the nature of the journey being undertaken [7] [8].