sharp as a tack

Idioms and Phrases

Also, sharp as a razor . Mentally acute. For example, She's very witty—she's sharp as a tack . These similes are also used literally to mean “having a keen cutting edge” and have largely replaced the earlier sharp as a needle or thorn . The first dates from about 1900, the variant from the mid-1800s.

Example Sentences

“President Trump is sharp as a tack,” Leavitt added, “and executes a rigorous campaign schedule every single day.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We all know at some point there’s the right exit off the highway to take, but when I talk baseball with him, he’s still as sharp as a tack.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Talk to him for five minutes and you’ll see he’s sharp as a tack.”

From Los Angeles Times

Whittle said Rutan had been courageous in his final hours at the hospital — sharp as a tack, calm and joking with them about what might come next after death.

From Seattle Times

He said his client’s ailments are physical, adding that mentally he is “sharp as a tack. Feet are firmly planted on the ground.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• able
• active
• deft
• effective
• keen
• ready
• sharp
• vigorous
• wise