6 uses
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Definition
smart — especially in negotiating with people (may infer underhanded dealings)
- She was not amusing or clever, her mind was common; she had a vulgar shrewdness which revolted him, she had no gentleness nor softness.59-60 — Chapters 59-60 (9% in)
- He took his seat, asked if there were any old patients for him to see, rapidly passed them in review, looking at them with shrewd eyes as he discussed their symptoms, cracked a joke (at which all the clerks laughed heartily) with the H.P., who laughed heartily too but with an air as if he thought it was rather impudent for the clerks to laugh, remarked that it was a fine day or a hot one, and rang the bell for the porter to show in the new patients.81-82 — Chapters 81-82 (15% in)
- "She'll probably write a letter to the papers on the gross mismanagement of the London hospitals,' said Dr. Tyrell, with a smile, as he took the next paper and gave the patient one of his shrewd glances.81-82 — Chapters 81-82 (22% in)
- The boarding-house to which they had been directed was kept by a bustling maiden lady, with shrewd eyes and voluble speech.93-94 — Chapters 93-94 (58% in)
- Mr. Sampson, an ignorant man conscious of his incompetence, but with a shrewdness that enabled him to combine other people's suggestions, constantly asked the opinion of the assistants in his department in making up new designs; and he had the quickness to see that Philip's criticisms were valuable.107-108 — Chapters 107-108 (10% in)
- Doctor South listened quietly, and a gentle look came into his shrewd old eyes.117-118 — Chapters 117-118 (34% in)
There are no more uses of "shrewd" in Of Human Bondage.
Typical Usage
(best examples)