Why is Odysseus described as cunning?

An example of this is because in book 9 of Homers Odyssey, Odysseusoutwits the Cyclops and wrenches out his eye, and then is able to escape with all his men whilst holding on to two of his sheep which are allowed out of the cave to grazewhereasthe cyclops planned to eatOdysseusand his remaining men. This great show of skill is soon ruined byOdysseus's taunts that ruin his ship later on in the text.