mother wit

/'mʌðəwit/
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mother wit

A wise elder uses mother wit to solve a tricky problem.

Definition

Noun: * Native intelligence; common sense; practical judgment or understanding that is not acquired through formal education. This term refers to the innate, natural wisdom and good sense a person possesses. It emphasizes intuitive understanding and the ability to make sound decisions in everyday life.

Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • She may not have a college degree, but she has a lot of mother wit and can solve any practical problem.
    • Sometimes, mother wit is more valuable than book knowledge when dealing with people.
    • The old farmer relied on his mother wit and years of experience, not on weather forecasts.
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase often carries a tone of respect for non-academic, experiential wisdom. It can be used to contrast practical, innate intelligence with learned, theoretical knowledge.
    • The engineer had the technical plans, but the construction foreman's mother wit prevented a major accident on site.
Variants and Related Words
  • Common sense (n): The most direct and common synonym, referring to sound practical judgment concerning everyday matters.
  • Native intelligence (n): Innate cognitive ability.
  • Shrewdness (n): Sharp powers of judgment, often in practical matters.
  • Gumption (n, informal): Initiative, resourcefulness, and courage.
Synonyms
  • Common sense
  • Good sense
  • Practicality
  • Savvy (informal)
  • Native intelligence
Related Idioms
  • To have horse sense: To have practical, common sense. (Similar in meaning, but "mother wit" is less colloquial.)
    • He's a successful businessman because he has good horse sense.
  • Street smarts: The experience and knowledge needed to deal with the potential difficulties or dangers of life in a big city. (This is more specific to urban survival, whereas "mother wit" is more general.)
    • Book smarts are one thing, but you need street smarts to navigate this neighborhood.
mother wit

A wise elder uses mother wit to solve a tricky problem.

Noun
  1. sound practical judgment
    • Common sense is not so common
    • he hasn't got the sense God gave little green apples
    • fortunately she had the good sense to run away

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