clever

clev|er

S2 [ˈklevə US -ər] adj

[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: Probably from a Scandinavian language]

1.) especially BrE able to learn and understand things quickly

= ↑intelligent

American Equivalent: smart

▪ a clever man

very/extremely/quite/pretty etc clever

▪ Lucy is quite clever and does well at school.

2.) able to use your intelligence to get what you want, especially in a slightly dishonest way

▪ a clever lawyer's tricks

3.) [not before noun] especially BrE skilful at doing a particular thing

▪ Bill's very clever with his hands.

▪ his clever ball control

clever at doing sth

▪ He was clever at finding bargains.

4.) done or made in an unusual or interesting way that is very effective

▪ What a clever little gadget!

▪ a clever marketing strategy

5.) BrE spoken used jokingly when someone has done something silly or stupid

▪ 'When I got to the library I found I'd left the books at home.' 'That was clever!'

6.) clever clogs/dick

BrE spoken used to describe someone who is annoying because they are always right or always think they are right

7.) be too clever by half

BrE spoken to be clever, and to show that you are clever in a way that annoys other people

>cleverly adv

>cleverness n [U]