What does “Too clever by half” mean?
"Too clever by half" means being overly intelligent or clever in a way that is unnecessary or excessive.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He thought he could outsmart everyone, but he was just too clever by half.
Example
Her elaborate plan to deceive them was too clever by half and ended up backfiring.
Example
The professor's explanation was too clever by half and left the students confused
Is “Too clever by half” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Too clever by half” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Too clever by half” effectively in context?
You can use "Too clever by half" to describe someone who is overly intelligent or clever in a way that is unnecessary or excessive. It implies that the person's intelligence or cleverness is more of a hindrance than an advantage. For example, if someone comes up with a complicated solution to a simple problem, you might say, 'He's always trying to be too clever by half.'
- 1Academic
The student's essay was too clever by half, filled with unnecessary jargon and convoluted arguments.
- 2Deception
Her plan to deceive them was too clever by half, and they saw through it immediately.
- 3Explanation
The professor's explanation was too clever by half, using complex theories that went over the students' heads.
Similar phrases to “Too clever by half”:
To think about something too much or too deeply, often leading to unnecessary complications
Example
She tends to overthink things and make them more complicated than they need to be.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Too clever by half” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Too clever by half" is unknown.
Is “Too clever by half” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Too clever by half" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to criticize someone's excessive cleverness or intelligence, suggesting that it is not practical or useful in a given situation.
What tone does “Too clever by half” have?
"Too clever by half" conveys a tone of criticism or skepticism. It implies that being overly intelligent or clever can be a negative trait when it becomes unnecessary or excessive.
Can “Too clever by half” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Too clever by half" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of excessive cleverness or intelligence. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He thought he could outsmart everyone, but he was just too clever by half.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's too clever by half!' to express disbelief or criticism.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- overly intelligent
- excessively clever
- too smart for one's own good
- unnecessarily complicated
- overthinking
