too clever, quick, etc. by half

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!

See also: by, half

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

too clever, quick, etc. by ˈhalf

(British English, informal, disapproving) much too clever, quick, etc: That boy is too charming by half — he can get you to do anything he wants. ♢ I don’t like her at all — she’s too clever by half.

See also: by, half

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