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Literary notes about leery (AI summary)

In literature, "leery" is employed to capture a mood of cautious mistrust and subtle unease. Writers use the term to describe characters whose eyes, expressions, or overall attitudes betray a sense of wariness—often hinting at past betrayals or the instinctive need to guard oneself against potential harm [1, 2, 3]. The word may signal an internal hesitation or a critical, almost instinctive, doubt about a person or situation, coloring both dialogue and description with a flavor of skepticism or alertness [4, 5, 6]. This layered use of "leery" enriches the narrative by conveying not only emotional caution but also an atmosphere of tension in interactions and environments where trust is in question [7, 8].
  1. I've looked into the fellow's eye and seen a leery old badger at the bottom of it.
    — from Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith by George Meredith
  2. He twirled his Calabrian headpiece in his hands, and let his leery eyes wander about the walls.
    — from The Goose Man by Jakob Wassermann
  3. The captain's eyes contracted with leery cunning.
    — from House of TormentA Tale of the Remarkable Adventures of Mr. John Commendone, Gentleman to King Phillip II of Spain at the English Court by Guy Thorne
  4. I knew she'd be glad to see me, but I was rather leery about Jabez.
    — from Happy Hawkins by Robert Alexander Wason
  5. Well, I'll go on an' chance it; but I'm leery that somethin' will happen.
    — from Happy Hawkins by Robert Alexander Wason
  6. “I’m a bit leery ’bout puttin’ in a second night alongside this lake.
    — from The Sky Pilot's Great Chase; Or, Jack Ralston's Dead Stick Landing by Ambrose Newcomb
  7. I don't know why, but almost every fellow is leery of that position.
    — from Left Tackle Thayer by Ralph Henry Barbour
  8. Listen, this guy knows what he's up against; he knows it might land him in Sing Sing and he'll be leery of this door being shut.
    — from Writing for Vaudeville by Brett Page

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