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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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