clever clogs

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Thân thiện
clever clogs

A student raises his hand eagerly, the clever clogs of the class.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An intellectual who is ostentatiously and irritatingly knowledgeable: A person, often perceived as annoying, who shows off their intelligence or knowledge in a way that seems smug or superior.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
Advanced Usage
  • The term is primarily used in British and Commonwealth English. It is informal and almost always used in a mildly critical or teasing way to describe someone who is being a know-it-all.
  • It can be used as a form of direct address (e.g., "Alright, clever clogs, what's the answer then?") to challenge someone who is showing off their knowledge.
Variants and Related Words
  • Clever Dick (noun, chiefly British, informal): A synonym with identical meaning and connotation.
  • Know-it-all (noun): A more direct synonym common in American English.
  • Smart alec (noun, informal): Another synonym for a conceited and irritatingly clever person.
Synonyms
  • Know-it-all
  • Smart alec
  • Wise guy (informal, often US)
  • Pedant (though this emphasizes excessive focus on minor details rather than just showing off)
Related Idioms
  • To be a clever clogs: To act in the manner of one.
clever clogs

A student raises his hand eagerly, the clever clogs of the class.

Noun
  1. an intellectual who is ostentatiously and irritatingly knowledgeable

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