好词典

clever

UK //ˈklevə(r)//US //ˈklevər//

词源

源自中古英语 'cliver',可能来自古诺尔斯语 'kløgr'(灵巧的),与古英语 'clifer'(爪子)有关,暗示抓取或掌握的能力。

adjective

❶ 形容人聪明机智,能够快速理解事物或找到解决问题的方法。常带有赞赏或幽默的意味。

“She is a clever student who always finds creative solutions.”

(她是个聪明的学生,总能找到有创意的解决方法。)

“The clever fox outsmarted the hunters by doubling back on its trail.”

(那只聪明的狐狸通过原路折返智胜了猎人。)

同义词:smart, intelligent, bright

常见短语

too clever by half — 形容某人过分自作聪明反而弄巧成拙,带有批评意味的表达方式。

“His plan to avoid taxes was too clever by half and got him into legal trouble.”

(他避税的计策聪明反被聪明误,最终惹上了法律麻烦。)