What does the cryptic crossword clue "Without cunning, cunningly alters as a fox? (9)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of ALTERS (synonym="ALTERS") + SLY (synonym="as a fox") = ARTLESSLY The answer is ARTLESSLY.

Without cunning, cunningly alters as a fox? (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29146 | 11 Across | 2023-08-11 flower