definitions

smart as a whip

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.

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RELATED WORDS

vigorous, effective, deft, able, active, wise, ready, sharp, keen, knowing, acute, prompt, slick, adept, whiz, savvy, adroit, apt, astute, bright

Nearby words

smaragdite, smarm, smarmy, smart, smart aleck, smart as a whip, smart ass, smart bomb, smart card, smart casual, smart drink
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.