sharp as a tack

Idioms  

1. Also, sharp as a razor. Mentally acute. For example, She's very witty—she's sharp as a tack. These similes are also used literally to mean “having a keen cutting edge” and have largely replaced the earlier sharp as a needle or thorn. The first dates from about 1900, the variant from the mid-1800s.

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Example Sentences

Irish broadcaster RTÉ described Callard's character as "quirky, unpredictable and sharp as a tack, she carries just enough edge to keep Carrigstown on its toes".

From BBC

“But for me, it’s what’s going on in someone’s mind. And Eddie’s mind was sharp as a tack.”

From Los Angeles Times

Notre Dame coach Evan Yabu said of Hurst, “He’s accurate. He’s as sharp as a tack.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We all know at some point there’s the right exit off the highway to take, but when I talk baseball with him, he’s still as sharp as a tack.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Talk to him for five minutes and you’ll see he’s sharp as a tack.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• able
• active
• deft
• effective
• keen
• ready
• sharp
• vigorous
• wise