shrewd

Everyday

1. Clever at understanding people and situations and at making good, practical decisions, especially about money or business. tree →
2. (of a guess or choice) Wise and likely to be right. tree →

In the lessons

In stories a shrewd character spots tricks, makes clever deals and is hard to fool, like a shrewd shopkeeper or detective. In money lessons a shrewd buyer compares prices. It is mostly praise but can hint at being a bit sly. Phrases: «a shrewd guess», «a shrewd move», «a shrewd businesswoman».

Examples

• The shrewd shopkeeper knew the coin was fake. tree →
• That was a shrewd move — you saved half your pocket money. tree →
• Grandma is shrewd; you can't fool her with a story. tree →
• I made a shrewd guess that the answer was 12, and I was right. tree →
• A shrewd buyer checks the price per gram, not just the price. tree →
• The detective gave the suspect a shrewd look. tree →
• He shrewdly kept some money back for later. tree →
• Well, Donald was a shrewd fellow, and downhearted though he was, began to think if he could get any good out of Daisy's death. tree →

Note

Adjective; noun «shrewdness». Rhymes with «food». Not the same as «shrew», a tiny mouse-like animal (and an old insulting word for a bad-tempered woman). In maths word problems a «shrewd shopper» usually picks the better deal (lowest unit price).