sharp tack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp tack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very intelligent or quick-witted. Example: "In our discussions, Sarah always has the best insights; she's a sharp tack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She's a sharp tack".

The New Yorker

With the denouement the book instantly sheds its seduction; life seeps colourlessly from it as from a bicycle tube after passing over a sharp tack.

The Guardian - Books

And a sharp tack, and….

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

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

Yet after losing in Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas — following days of being pummeled — advisers to Mr. Obama conceded they had to take a sharper tack as the Democratic nominating fight slogs forward in a delegate-by-delegate battle.

The New York Times

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

Quayle, not the sharpest tack in the box, had been comparing himself to JFK and Bentsen responded epically with: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine.

Forbes

Rodney is not the sharpest tack in town, which, in Braddock, would be a low bar to hurdle in any case.

Los Angeles Times

When someone is stupid, you say they're not the sharpest tack, but this is another catchphrase which seems to have gone into remission.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "sharp tack", ensure the context aligns with intelligence or quick-wittedness. This phrase is more informal and may not be suitable for all professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp tack" to describe physical sharpness. This idiom refers exclusively to mental acuity and should not be confused with literal sharpness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp tack" functions primarily as a descriptive idiom, characterizing someone as intelligent and quick-witted. Ludwig examples show its use in attributing cleverness to individuals in various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp tack" is an idiom used to describe someone intelligent and quick-witted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. While grammatically sound, its informal nature suggests reserving it for casual or neutral contexts, rather than formal or academic writing. Its usage appears mostly in news and media and wiki contexts. Related phrases include "quick-witted" and "astute". Remember to use "sharp tack" to describe someone with mental acuity, not physical sharpness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp as a razor

Similar to "sharp tack" but uses a different metaphor for keenness.

razor-sharp

Similar to "sharp tack" but uses a different metaphor for keenness.

quick-witted

Focuses on mental agility and the ability to respond intelligently.

astute

Highlights shrewdness and the ability to assess situations accurately.

intelligent

A general term for having a high mental capacity.

bright

Implies intelligence and a quick understanding.

clever

Suggests ingenuity and skill in thinking or doing.

shrewd

Emphasizes practical intelligence and cunning.

on the ball

Indicates alertness and competence.

take a different approach

Emphasizes a change in strategy rather than intelligence, if used in the context of changing course.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp tack" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp tack" to describe someone who is very intelligent or quick-witted. For example, "She's a "sharp tack"."

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

Being described as a "sharp tack" means someone is intelligent, clever, and quick-witted. It suggests they understand things easily and are mentally alert.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is a "sharp tack"?

Alternatives include "quick-witted", "astute", or "bright". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "sharp tack" in formal writing?

The phrase "sharp tack" is considered informal. While grammatically correct, it might be more suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing. In professional or academic contexts, consider using more formal synonyms like "intelligent" or "astute".