clever

Definition

  • adjective: intelligent and able to learn things quickly
  • adjective: skillful or adroit in using the hands or body
  • often used in a joking or ironic way to describe a foolish idea, action, etc.
  • synonyms: nimble, smart, expert

Examples

  • Don't you start getting 'clever' [=('US') 'fresh'] with me! [=don't speak to me in a disrespectful way]

  • For someone who hasn't been 'feeling too clever' lately, he just played a great round of golf.

  • A few 'clever' [='smart, bright'] students have started a business recycling old computers.

Movie quotes

  • (..) Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,That's right. Now, if you two don't mind,\Nl'm going to bed... Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,...before either of you come up with another clever\Nidea to get us killed. Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Or worse, expelled. (..)
    2001 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
  • (..) Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Hagrid, what exactly\Nare these things? Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,They're goblins, Harry. Clever as they come goblins\Nbut not the most friendly of beasts. Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Best stay close. (..)
    2001 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone