(as) clever as a wagonload of monkeys
Impish or mischievous. ("Cartload" can be used instead of "wagonload.") Primarily heard in UK. Don't let those boys sit together—they're as clever as a wagonload of monkeys. A: "Grandma, why do you keep yelling at us?" B: "Because you lot are clever as a wagonload of monkeys, that's why!" I know that Amanda must have been the mastermind behind this prank—she's as clever as a wagonload of monkeys.
as (something) as they come
Said of someone or something that displays a trait or characteristic to the utmost degree. Bryce is as talented as they come. Once you see him on stage, you'll agree. These strawberries are as fresh as they come. They were literally just picked! He looks at himself in the mirror any chance he gets. Frankly, he's as conceited as they come.
be boxing clever
To be acting skillfully and cunningly or deceitfully to achieve a desired outcome. Primarily heard in UK. I wasn't boxing clever at the time, so it was easy for the headmaster to see that I had broken the rules. I know you're boxing clever, acting you've been in your room all night and didn't just sneak in the house a few minutes ago. Of course he's boxing clever, that's how he sucks people into his schemes!
be too clever by half
To be too contrived or arrogant in one's cleverness or intelligence, to the point of being irritating to others. Primarily heard in UK. I think every adolescent goes through a stage of being too clever by half, thinking of themselves as the only person who has things really figured out. The phones people use these days are all too clever by half—I can barely even use them to make phone calls! I know you're trying to get ahead by running errands for the boss and complimenting her at every turn, but you're too clever by half. No one likes a sycophant.
box clever
To act skillfully and cunningly or deceitfully to achieve a desired outcome. Primarily heard in UK. The principal is already on to you, so you're going to have to box clever to avoid a suspension. Quit boxing clever—I know you just snuck into the house a few minutes ago. He'll just box clever, that's how he sucks people into his schemes!
clever boots
A light-hearted or humorous way to refer to an intelligent or clever person. Primarily heard in Australia. Judy's such a clever boots. She solved the puzzle in 30 seconds. Ted's a real clever boots, so he'll find a solution to this problem. Of course Ellen is our valedictorian—she's always been a clever boots.
clever clogs
A light-hearted or humorous way to refer to an intelligent or clever person. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. He's such a clever clogs. There is no question he can't answer. Of course Ellen is our valedictorian—she's always been a clever clogs. Judy's such a clever clogs. She solved the puzzle in 30 seconds.
none too
Not much, not very, or not at all. We got there none too early. My husband could use some project to work on; he's been none too busy since he lost his job.
too (something) by half
Far too something; more something than is necessary. Used in the form, "too (something) by half." Primarily heard in UK. Liam is too clever by half, winning every debate he gets into. That child is too noisy by half!
too clever by half
Too contrived or arrogant in one's cleverness or intelligence, to the point of being irritating to others. Primarily heard in UK. I think every adolescent goes through a stage where they become too clever by half and begin to think of themselves as the only person who has things figured out. The phones people use these days are all too clever by half—I can barely even use them to make phone calls!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
be boxing clever
BRITISHIf someone is boxing clever, they are being very clever and careful in the way they behave in a difficult situation, so that they can get an advantage for themselves. By boxing clever with your personal tax allowances you could save £900 a year.
too clever by half
If you describe a person or their actions as too clever by half, you mean that they are too clever, in a way that you do not like or in a way that causes problems for them. His many admirers describe him as clever: his enemies as too clever by half. You had to tell the press, didn't you? Too clever by half. Note: Other adjectives are sometimes used instead of clever. He was stylish, angry, and too cool by half.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012