clever

Everyday

1. Clever means quick to learn and understand things. tree →
2. Clever means skilful at doing something, like clever with your hands. tree →
3. A clever idea or plan is smart and works well. tree →

In the lessons

In school, being clever helps, but practice and effort matter just as much. In stories, a clever character (like a fox or a trickster) solves problems by thinking, not by strength. Clever can sometimes mean sly, too clever by half. Phrases: clever at, clever with, a clever idea, too clever by half, clever clogs (informal).

Examples

• She's very clever at maths. tree →
• What a clever idea! tree →
• The clever fox tricked the crow. tree →
• He is clever with his hands and builds models. tree →
• Crows are clever birds that can use tools. tree →
• That's a clever way to solve the puzzle. tree →
• "What a clever creature!" thinks he. tree →

Note

In British English clever is very common; in American English people often say smart. Clever is about the mind; strong is about the body. Calling someone "too clever" can be a criticism. Cleverer and more clever are both used.