Question

What is is difference between cunning and clever

Answer 1

Clever is generally at least a neutral term, and may be positive. To describe as Clever is typically to praise. "What aclever idea little Sally had for her birthday party!" "Cunning" does mean essentially the same thing, but with an inference of possibly malicious self-interest and suggesting a zero-sum game.

Answer 2

cunning means having or showing a skill in achieving one's ends by evasion and deceit.
clever means quick to understand, learn anf devise or apply ideas