clever clogs
noun1
Ireland, UK, Colloquial Somebody who is rather too clever; a smart aleck; sometimes used as an epithet.
- 'Not in itself,' said the Doctor, holding the gun at arm's length. 'But you tell me, what happens if some clever clogs gets this in his lab? Finds out how it works? The human race gets the secret of Dalek weapons. You'll all be dead by Wednesday week.'2006, Gareth Roberts, I Am a Dalek, BBC Books, page 39:
- 'All right then, clever-clogs,' said Yasmin. 'Any idea which one?'2011, Tom Bradman, Tony Bradman, Space School: Blast Off!, Bloomsbury (A & C Black), page 49:
1 more example
- 'Yes, perfect. Mr Clever Clogs has done it again!'2013, Lynda Bellingham, Tell Me Tomorrow, Simon & Schuster, page 409:
- Derived terms
- clever-cloggery