clever

/'klevə/
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clever

A clever student solves a difficult puzzle.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Showing intelligence and skill, especially in a creative or practical way: "clever" describes someone or something that demonstrates mental sharpness, inventiveness, or adeptness in solving problems or creating things.
    • Mentally quick and resourceful: It refers to a person who thinks quickly, understands easily, and can find clever ways to handle situations.
    • (Sometimes disapproving) Showing shrewdness, especially in a self-interested way: In some contexts, "clever" can imply cunning or a sly intelligence used for personal advantage.
Examples of Usage
  • Adjective:
    • She is a clever student who always finds new ways to solve math problems.
    • That's a clever design for a space-saving bookshelf.
    • His clever reply avoided the difficult question entirely.
    • The magician performed a clever trick that amazed the audience.
Advanced Usage

  • "Too clever by half": Used to describe someone whose intelligence or cleverness is excessive, leading to overcomplication or arrogance, often resulting in failure or annoyance.

    • His plan was too clever by half and ended up confusing everyone.

  • "Clever-clever" (Informal, often derogatory): Describing a showy or pretentious display of intelligence.

    • I'm tired of his clever-clever remarks during meetings.
Variants and Related Words

  • Cleverly (adverb): In a clever manner.

    • The puzzle was cleverly constructed.

  • Cleverness (noun): The quality of being clever.

    • Her cleverness saved the project from disaster.
Synonyms
  • Intelligent: Having or showing a high mental capacity.
  • Bright: Quick to learn or understand.
  • Smart: Having or showing quick intelligence.
  • Ingenious: Clever, original, and inventive.
  • Shrewd: Having sharp powers of judgment; astute (can overlap with the cunning sense of "clever").
  • Resourceful: Able to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Antonyms
  • Stupid: Lacking intelligence or common sense.
  • Foolish: Lacking good sense or judgment.
  • Dull: Slow to understand; not intellectually sharp.
  • Unimaginative: Lacking creativity or originality.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Clever" is primarily an adjective and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its usage is typically within descriptive phrases.)

Related Idioms

  • "A clever dick" (Informal, chiefly British, derogatory): A person who is annoyingly clever or who shows off their knowledge.

    • Nobody likes a clever dick who corrects everyone's grammar.

  • "Box clever" (Informal, chiefly British): To act in a shrewd or cunning way to gain an advantage.

    • If we want to win the contract, we'll need to box clever.
clever

A clever student solves a difficult puzzle.

Adjective
  1. showing inventiveness and skill
    • a clever gadget
    • the cunning maneuvers leading to his success
    • an ingenious solution to the problem
  2. mentally quick and resourceful
    • an apt pupil
    • you are a clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold-Bram Stoker
  3. showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
    • a cagey lawyer
    • too clever to be sound

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