Brewer's: Sharp

(Becky). The impersonation of intellect without virtue in Thackeray's Vanity Fair. (See Sedley.)

“Becky Sharp, with a baronet for a brother-in-law and an earl's daughter for a friend, felt the hollowness of human grandeur, and thought she was happier with the Bohemian artists in Soho.” —The Express.

Sharp

Sharp's the word. Look out, keep your eyes open and your wits about you. When a shopman suspects a customer, he will ask aloud of a brother-shopman if “Mr. Sharp is come in:” and if his suspicion is confirmed, will receive for answer, “No, but he is expected back immediately.” (Holten.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Content