a sharp cookie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp cookie" is not correct; the correct expression is "a smart cookie." You can use it to describe someone who is clever or intelligent, often in a context where their quick thinking or resourcefulness is being highlighted.
Example: "Even though she looks young, she's a smart cookie and knows how to handle difficult situations."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

His saga, and the fact that he's a sharp cookie, are why we're delighted to have this Crunchies 2013 Founder Of The Year join us on the Disrupt NY stage.

TechCrunch

Wouldn't you feel like a sharp cookie then?

Huffington Post

"As she's proven, she's a rising star in the party and she's also a sharp cookie and highly able," said Charles Munger Jr., a major GOP donor.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A very sharp cookie.

The Guardian - Music

"A ways", "gussied up", "sprog", "sharp cookie", "gobsmacked", "pinkie" – these words were just not at home in the discourse they were in.

The Guardian - Books

But whereas Ms. McKechnie exuded a heartbreaking eagerness to please, Ms. d'Amboise registers a sharp, tough cookie who is perfectly capable of looking after herself.

The New York Times

Serve with a crisp cookie.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cut the finished product into fancy shapes with a cookie cutter or a sharp knife if you want your prawn toasts to look more refined and you don't mind wasting a few off-cuts.

WikiHow

I imagine that those who are indiscreet on the Web will continue to have to make the best of it, while sharper cookies, pocketing nyms and proxy cascades (as sharper cookies already do), slouch toward an ever more Googleable future, one in which Google, to some even greater extent than it does now, helps us decide what we'll do next.

The New York Times

A sharp whistle.

The New York Times

They turned a sharp corner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the phrase "smart cookie" as it is the standard and grammatically correct idiom to describe someone intelligent and quick-witted. When using "a smart cookie", ensure that the context clearly indicates cleverness or intelligence.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp" when you mean "smart" in this context. "Sharp" typically refers to physical sharpness or intensity, while "smart" correctly conveys intelligence. Replace "a sharp cookie" with "a smart cookie" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase, although not grammatically correct in standard English, attempts to function as a noun phrase that describes a person. According to Ludwig AI, the correct phrase is "a smart cookie."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sharp cookie" is an attempt to describe someone as intelligent and quick-witted. However, Ludwig AI points out that the correct idiom is "a smart cookie". While the phrase appears in some sources, it is not grammatically standard and its intended meaning is better conveyed by its grammatically correct counterpart. Using "smart cookie" ensures clarity and aligns with common English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart cookie

Replaces "sharp" with "smart", which is the correct and commonly used idiom.

a clever person

Substitutes the idiom with a more literal and straightforward description of intelligence.

an intelligent individual

Offers a more formal and less idiomatic way to describe someone's intellect.

a bright spark

Uses a different idiomatic expression to convey the idea of intelligence and quick-wittedness.

a quick thinker

Focuses on the aspect of being able to think quickly and efficiently.

a shrewd operator

Implies someone who is not only intelligent but also skilled at getting what they want.

a wise person

Suggests someone who has not only intelligence but also good judgment and experience.

a knowledgeable person

Highlights the aspect of having a lot of knowledge and information.

an astute observer

Focuses on someone's ability to notice and understand subtle details.

a perceptive individual

Emphasizes the ability to understand and interpret things accurately.

FAQs

Is "a sharp cookie" grammatically correct?

No, the grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase is "a smart cookie". While "a sharp cookie" might be understood, it's not standard English.

What does "a smart cookie" mean?

The idiom "a smart cookie" describes someone who is intelligent, clever, and quick-witted, often in a resourceful or insightful way.

Can I use "a sharp cookie" in formal writing?

It's best to avoid using "a sharp cookie" in formal writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "an intelligent individual" or "a clever person" to maintain a professional tone.

What can I say instead of "a sharp cookie"?

You can use "a smart cookie", "a clever person", or "an intelligent individual" depending on the context and the level of formality you're aiming for.