Too clever, etc. by half
adjective
Someone or something trying to be very smart or clever but in a way that is annoying or not really effective.
John is too clever by half, always coming up with elaborate excuses for his late assignments.
Often appears as...
- too clever by half
- too smart by half
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
adjective
Someone or something trying to be very smart or clever but in a way that is annoying or not really effective.
John is too clever by half, always coming up with elaborate excuses for his late assignments.
Often appears as...
- too clever by half
- too smart by half
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Nuance
Implies disapproval of someone's actions as being overly clever or shrewd in a cunning way.
His plan was too clever by half and ended up backfiring.
Pro Tip 2/3Annoying Behavior
Used to describe someone causing irritation because they overcomplicate things unnecessarily.
She's too clever by half with her constant, needlessly complex suggestions.
Pro Tip 3/3Irony Alert
Often used ironically to point out someone's failed attempt to be clever.
He thought he missed the questions on purpose, but that was too clever by half.
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