(as) artful as a wagonload of monkeys British informal simile
Extremely clever, cunning or mischievous
Don't let his shy and obedient appearance fool you. He is as artful as a wagonload of monkeys.
The children are as artful as a wagonload of monkeys, so you must keep an eye on them.
White lie
It is believed that someone who has engaged in immoral behavior will always be be prone to it
a person who treats other people badly and unfairly, a despicable person
If someone cuts a sorry figure, he or she creates an unfavourable impression to others or causes others to regard him or her unfavourably.
Lisa cut a sorry figure at the job interview