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Synonyms

smart as a whip

Idioms  
  1. Very intelligent or clever, as in Little Brian is smart as a whip; he's only three and already learning to read. This simile alludes to the sharp crack of a whip. [Mid-1900s] Also see mind like a steel trap.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“She’s smart as a whip and she’s listening and trying to work on things that are pragmatic and having real impact on people in our community,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times May 26, 2026

“He is smart as a whip, he’s a great dog, but they surrendered him because they don’t have time for him,” Gambone said.

From Seattle Times Apr. 14, 2022

He’s smart as a whip and is already reading independently, but socially he’s just not there yet.

From Slate Sep. 10, 2020

If Salt was its calm center, then Kidder was its wild child, hilariously witty and smart as a whip.

From The Guardian May 14, 2018

Off the field he was quiet, serene, and smart as a whip, his passivity neatly hiding an astounding determination to succeed.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

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