smooth operator
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
We've heard from fans monitoring flights from Sydney, one bloke is cycling from Glasgow, while another smooth operator has arranged his best pal's stag weekend to be in Dusseldorf on the opening weekend.
From BBC • Oct. 15, 2023
Morales is such a smooth operator one might wish he played Ethan Hunt because Tom Cruise looks weary in the role.
From Salon • Jul. 12, 2023
A smooth operator and skilled thief, Charlie finds himself facing changes bad and good as the series opens.
From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2023
John May from London is a rough diamond and smooth operator who doesn’t suffer fools: “Once bitten, twice bite, that’s my motto.”
From Washington Post • Jan. 27, 2023
Russia - a smooth operator - chose to side with France and Germany, at least temporarily.
From The Belgian Curtain Europe after Communism by Vaknin, Samuel
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.
