What does "Clever Clogs" mean?

A know-it-all; someone too clever for their own good. British term for someone who shows off their intelligence. Can be affectionate or cutting.

How do you use "Clever Clogs" in a sentence?

Clever clogs, aren't you? Don't be such a clever clogs.

Clever Clogs

Slang Term British ★★★★☆ Common Casual

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Meaning: A know-it-all; someone too clever for their own good.

自作聪明的人；自以为聪明的人。

Un sabelotodo; alguien demasiado listo para su propio bien.

知ったかぶり、自分の賢さを鼻にかける人。

아는 척쟁이, 잘난 척하는 사람.

British term for someone who shows off their intelligence. Can be affectionate or cutting.

英式用语，指炫耀自己聪明的人。可以是亲昵的也可以是尖刻的。

Término británico para alguien que presume de inteligencia. Puede ser cariñoso o hiriente.

知識をひけらかす人を指すイギリスの表現。親しみを込めても皮肉としても使われる。

자신의 똑똑함을 과시하는 사람을 가리키는 영국식 표현. 애정 어린 표현일 수도, 비꼬는 표현일 수도 있다.

Examples

Clever clogs, aren't you?
自以为很聪明吧？
Qué listo eres, ¿no?
賢いつもりかい？
똑똒한 척이야?
Don't be such a clever clogs.
别那么自作聪明。
No seas tan listillo.
そんなに知ったかぶりするなよ。
그렇게 잘난 척 좀 하지 마.

Pronunciation

/ˈklevə klɒɡz/

Usage Guide

Context: teasing

Tone: teasing

✓ Do Say

Clever clogs
自作聪明的人
listillo
お利口さん
잘난 척쟁이

✗ Don't Say

Often sarcastic
常带有讽刺意味
A menudo se usa con sarcasmo
皮肉として使われることが多い
보통 비꼬는 표현

Common Mistakes

Can be affectionate or cutting

Origin & History

British slang combining 'clever' with 'clogs' (wooden shoes).

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Variations

Clever clogsClever Dick