Box clever
verb
To act strategically and intelligently, often in a tricky and cunning way.
In order to regain control of your time, you don't need to work harder, you just need to box clever.

Often appears as...
- box clever by
- need to box clever
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
In boxing, to fight in a way that relies more on skill and strategy rather than brute force.
He doesn't have the raw power of his opponent, but he can win the match if he boxes clever.

Often appears as...
- box clever in the ring
- he boxes clever
Usage tips
Approving
Technical
verb
To act strategically and intelligently, often in a tricky and cunning way.
In order to regain control of your time, you don't need to work harder, you just need to box clever.

Often appears as...
- box clever by
- need to box clever
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
In boxing, to fight in a way that relies more on skill and strategy rather than brute force.
He doesn't have the raw power of his opponent, but he can win the match if he boxes clever.

Often appears as...
- box clever in the ring
- he boxes clever
Usage tips
Approving
Technical
Definition 1 of 2

Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically, beyond literal boxing contexts, to imply clever tactics in everyday situations.

When dealing with negotiations, it's crucial to box clever.
Subtle Tactics
Implies using indirect or subtle tactics, not direct confrontation or force, to outsmart someone.

She boxed clever by outsourcing work, freeing up her schedule.
Cunning Required
It suggests a degree of cunning or shrewdness when facing complicated problems.

To beat the competition, we need to box clever.
Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically, beyond literal boxing contexts, to imply clever tactics in everyday situations.

When dealing with negotiations, it's crucial to box clever.
Subtle Tactics
Implies using indirect or subtle tactics, not direct confrontation or force, to outsmart someone.

She boxed clever by outsourcing work, freeing up her schedule.
Cunning Required
It suggests a degree of cunning or shrewdness when facing complicated problems.

To beat the competition, we need to box clever.
Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically, beyond literal boxing contexts, to imply clever tactics in everyday situations.

When dealing with negotiations, it's crucial to box clever.
Subtle Tactics
Implies using indirect or subtle tactics, not direct confrontation or force, to outsmart someone.

She boxed clever by outsourcing work, freeing up her schedule.
Cunning Required
It suggests a degree of cunning or shrewdness when facing complicated problems.

To beat the competition, we need to box clever.
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