smart as a whip

English

Etymology

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Pronunciation

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Adjective

(as) smart as a whip (not comparable)

1. (simile) Very intelligent.

   Synonym: sharp as a tack

   • 1883 November 22, “Her Thanksgiving”, in The Youth's Companion, volume 56, number 47:

     He's a smart chap, though ——smart as a whip, and knows a horse, too. Takes after his uncle Hod there; and Hod's a deal smarter than Seth, if he'd only stick to something, or go in with somebody that would furnish the stick for him.

Synonyms

• whip-smart