Cunning switching of axes (4)
I believe the answer is:
foxy
'cunning' is the definition.
('foxy' can be a synonym of 'cunning')
'switching of axes' is the wordplay.
'switching' indicates anagramming the letters.
'axes' becomes 'xy' (x axis and y axis).
'of' is an anagram of 'fo'.
'fo'+'xy'='FOXY'
(Other definitions for foxy that I've seen before include "Vulpine; sly" , "Sly -- sexy" , "Using craft" , "Crafty; (paper) mildewed" , "Cunning - sexually attractive" .)