Street Smarts.
English
idiom
Practical knowledge gained through real-life experience.
Trusted by1M+English learners & teachers worldwide
Practical knowledge gained through real-life experience.
Trusted by1M+English learners & teachers worldwide
Practical know-how that comes from real life, not from school.
Someone with street smarts can read people quickly and handle a tricky spot with confidence.
It is the opposite of book smarts.
"Common Sense"
—
Basic practical judgment everyone is expected to have, not from tough experience
"Book Smarts"
—
Academic intelligence and formal knowledge — the direct opposite of street smarts
"Street Smarts"
—
Practical real-world cleverness gained through experience, not formal education
This candidate didn't go to a top school, but her street smarts are impressive.
Let's meet her — that's often what the job actually needs.
How does she always know when someone is being fake?
Pure street smarts — she reads people instantly.
Do you think he'll manage okay in that city?
Absolutely — he's got street smarts. He'll figure it out.
