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

  • (..) unburden by genes, these three dimples exist in the area of the skull most associated with… servility. Now Bright Boy… I will admit you are pretty clever. But if I took this hammer here… and I bashed it in your skull… you would have the same three dimples…. in the same place… as Ol'Ben. (..)
    2012 Django Unchained
  • (..) – Panache, um… – A sense of showmanship! – Showmanship, yes. – I want to be able to bill him him as the “Black Hercules”. – Black Hercules, isn't that clever? STEVEN: More like "Nigga-les"! SCHULTZ: I said, and I quote: “I would pay top dollar for the Right Nigger”. (..)
    2012 Django Unchained