Sharp as a tack Meaning in English
expression
ˈʃɑɹp/ /ˈæz/, /ˈɛz/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtæk
SHARP az uh TAK
ʃˈɑːp/ /ˈæs/ /æɪ/ /tˈæk
SHAHP az uh TAK
Definition
Describes someone who is very intelligent, quick-thinking, and mentally alert.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, complimentary idiom. Commonly used for elderly people with strong minds or anyone seen as quick-witted. Often used in the phrase 'still sharp as a tack.' Avoid literal translation; it's a metaphor.
Spanish: muy inteligente - rápido de mentePortuguese (BR): muito esperto - muito inteligentePortuguese (PT): muito perspicaz - muito inteligenteChinese (Simplified): 聪明伶俐 - 思维敏捷Chinese (Traditional): 聰明伶俐 - 思維敏捷Hindi: बहुत चतुर - बहुत तेज़ दिमाग़ वालाArabic: ذكي للغاية - سريع البديهةBengali: দারুণ বুদ্ধিমান - অত্যন্ত তীক্ষ্ণ (মস্তিষ্কের জন্য)Russian: голова работает отлично - острый умJapanese: 頭の回転が速い - 頭が切れるVietnamese: sắc sảo - thông minh tuyệt vờiKorean: 머리가 비상하다 - 총기가 있다Turkish: zeka küpü - çok zekiUrdu: انتہائی ذہین - بہت تیز دماغIndonesian: cerdas sekali - tajam pikirannya
Example Sentences
My grandfather is sharp as a tack even at 85.
basic
The new student is sharp as a tack; she learns very quickly.
basic
He's sharp as a tack when it comes to solving problems.
basic
Wow, you remembered all those details? You're sharp as a tack!
natural
My mom is still sharp as a tack and never misses a thing.
natural
You have to be sharp as a tack to work in this fast-paced office.
natural