sharp as a tack
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ described Callard's character as "quirky, unpredictable and sharp as a tack, she carries just enough edge to keep Carrigstown on its toes".
From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026
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 • May 4, 2024
“There is a difference because I know people that are 90 years old that are sharp as a tack — in fact, some of them are smarter than they were 20 years before.”
From Washington Times • Jul. 7, 2023
“There are huge individual differences in how people age. Some are sharp as a tack at 90 or 100, some have cognitive impairment in their 50’s,” Aldwin said.
From Slate • Feb. 18, 2023
“Smart as a whip, sharp as a tack, you'd have to get up pretty late at night to put anything past this lad,” said the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
