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

  • (..) It's out there... ...where you've been working. That was heavy. That Isaac Newton fellow was right. - He was onto something. - Clever boy. Don't worry, that's mine. I'll come and get it in a minute. Oh, God. - Incoming, gentlemen. - Ay-yi-yi. (..)
    2001 A Beautiful Mind
  • (..) They've written papers. They've published. I'm still searching, sir, for my... - Your original idea. - Governing dynamics, sir. It's very clever, John, but I'm afraid it's just not nearly good enough. - May I? - Thank you. I'm working on manifold embedding. My bargaining stratagems (..)
    2001 A Beautiful Mind