a sharp tack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp tack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical object that is pointed and sharp, often in the context of fastening or pinning something down. Example: "Be careful when handling the box; there’s a sharp tack sticking out of the side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She's a sharp tack".

The New Yorker

And a sharp tack, and….

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Later he makes a sculpture out of coat hangers ("Obstruction," 1920) and transforms an iron with the addition of sharp tacks ("Gift," 1921).

The New York Times - Arts

That brought a sharp change of tack a year ago, after the expulsion from Georgia of several Russians accused of spying had raised the temperature again.

The Economist

They are thin boards with sharp tacks sticking from them.

WikiHow

Use adhesives, such as mounting putty or rolled up tape, on the tails to avoid using sharp tacks.

WikiHow

After years of virtuous pleading for more decisions by majority vote in Euro-councils, the chancellor shocked his partners by what seemed like a sharp change of tack.

The Economist

Through a sharp and skilful tack, HMS Bellerophon, one of the slowest ships in the British van, succeeded in bringing the Révolutionnaire to steady action at 18 00.

Wikipedia

However, in a development you feel the ship's designers ought to have foreseen, a larger-than-usual collision sends the onboard systems haywire, and up pops the hatch of the hibernation pod belonging to Jim Preston Prattt), a hunky engineer who is good with his hands but perhaps not the sharpest tack in the box.

The Guardian - Film

Sure, the state has a not-the-sharpest-tack, even buffoon-ish governor, Earl Ray Tomblin, who toes the anti-regulatory conservative line, most recently advising West Virginians that they needed to make a "personal choice" whether to drink tap water despite its persistent "licorice" smell.

Huffington Post

Now let's take a look at two hypothetical situations -- a terrible cost control big organization, and a sharp-as-a-tack small business.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a sharp tack" to describe a person's intelligence, ensure the context is appropriate and the audience will understand the idiom. It's more informal than saying someone is simply intelligent.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp tack" in formal or academic writing where a more direct and less idiomatic expression of intelligence is preferred. Using it literally to refer to a pointed pin is also correct, but clarify the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp tack" functions primarily as a descriptor, often used to attribute the quality of intelligence or cleverness to a person. It's an idiomatic expression where "sharp" amplifies the quickness and precision of understanding, similar to how Ludwig presents examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp tack" is an idiomatic phrase predominantly used to describe someone's intelligence or quick-wittedness. While grammatically sound and recognized by Ludwig, its usage frequency is relatively rare, appearing mainly in news and media contexts and Wiki entries. It is best suited for neutral to informal settings. According to Ludwig, the phrase functions as a descriptor and serves to express admiration for someone's mental abilities. When seeking alternatives, consider options such as "quick-witted" or "intelligent" for clarity and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

razor-sharp intellect

Emphasizes a very high level of intelligence, being extremely precise and quick.

quick-witted

Focuses solely on mental agility, omitting the potential double meaning of 'sharp'.

keen intellect

Focuses on intellectual strength and ability.

perceptive mind

Highlights the ability to understand things quickly and accurately.

shrewd individual

Highlights a person's astuteness and practical intelligence.

bright spark

A more colloquial and informal way of describing someone who is intelligent or clever.

astute observer

Emphasizes the ability to notice and understand things clearly and quickly.

intelligent person

Replaces the metaphorical expression with a more literal description of someone's intelligence.

abrupt shift in strategy

Implies a sudden and significant change in plans or approach.

rapid change of direction

Focuses on the literal meaning of 'sharp tack' referring to a sudden shift.

FAQs

How can "a sharp tack" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "a sharp tack" is often used to describe someone who is intelligent or quick-witted. For example, "She's "a sharp tack", always understanding the most complex problems quickly."

What does it mean when someone is described as "a sharp tack"?

When someone is described as ""a sharp tack"", it means they are very intelligent, clever, and quick-witted. The phrase is often used to compliment someone's mental acuity.

Are there alternative phrases to describe someone who is "a sharp tack"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "quick-witted", "intelligent", or "bright" to describe someone who is clever and astute.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a sharp tack" in all situations?

While ""a sharp tack"" is a common idiom, it's best suited for informal contexts. In formal or academic settings, a more direct and less idiomatic expression like "intelligent" or "astute" may be more appropriate.