as clever as a cartload of monkeys: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  British EnglishGlobal EnglishinformalhumorousMachine
  • Very clever, resourceful, or quick-witted; extremely ingenious or shrewd.

  Examples

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  • When it comes to solving puzzles, Anna is as clever as a cartload of monkeys—she figures them out quickly.

    Cuando se trata de resolver acertijos, Anna es muy inteligente; los resuelve rápidamente.

  • Don’t underestimate him; he’s as clever as a cartload of monkeys and always has a smart solution.

    No lo subestimes; es muy astuto y siempre tiene una solución inteligente.

  • The detective was as clever as a cartload of monkeys, uncovering the truth nobody else saw.

    El detective fue muy ingenioso, descubriendo la verdad que nadie más vio.

• 2.

  British EnglishinformalMachine
  • Used ironically or sarcastically to imply the opposite, that someone is not clever.

  Examples

  Beta

  • He tried to fix the computer but ended up breaking it—he’s as clever as a cartload of monkeys, really.

    Intentó arreglar la computadora pero la dañó; realmente no es nada inteligente.

  • Calling her as clever as a cartload of monkeys would be sarcastic, given how many mistakes she made.

    Llamarla muy inteligente sería sarcástico, dado la cantidad de errores que cometió.

  • If you think he can handle that task, you must be as clever as a cartload of monkeys too!

    ¡Si crees que él puede encargarse de esa tarea, tú tampoco eres muy listo!