smooth operator
Americannoun
-
a person who achieves social success or manipulates others through a calm, charming, and persuasive manner.
I never know if he’s genuine or just playing me—he's a slick talker and smooth operator who gets what he wants.
-
someone who performs a task with great skill and grace.
This lawyer is highly recommended as a smooth operator—astute, personable, and committed to her clients' interests.
-
something, such as a machine, computer program, etc., that is easy to use and runs flawlessly.
Both engines are smooth operators, but the EX version of the car brings a little more pep to passing.
-
a food or drink with a fine or mellow flavor, creamy texture, etc..
Our house ale is a smooth operator with robust flavors of molasses, caramel, and roasted malts.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of smooth operator
First recorded in 1895–1900
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.
Don’t be fooled by surface impressions, though: Samuelsen, who previously led the NYC public transit union, is a smart operator who knows exactly what Earhardt is up to.
From Slate • May 18, 2024
Queyroi is a smart operator with ball in hand and is equally competent directing her side's attack from the boot.
From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024
He's not the most dextrous or distinctive up-and-comer around, but he's a smart operator with the kind of knowing, insider swagger that attracts a fervent following.
From The Guardian • Jun. 7, 2012
The entire premise of “Moneyball” was that a smart operator could thwart the system.
From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2011
Even though I'd fed him the line so that he could feel superior, knowing that a smart operator like Ravenhurst would already have covered his tracks.
From A Spaceship Named McGuire by Garrett, Randall
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
