Just know that this isn’t standard. Normally we say “smart as a whip“. 
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Mariia M.asked for translation 10 months ago
How to translate? (en-ru)
as smart as paint
Author’s comment
He's as smart as paint, that Foxy. He'll get himself out of that place, and away from the mess he's growing up in. ("The Copper Beech" by Maeve Binchy)
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Discussion (8)
⁌ ULY ⁍added a comment 10 months ago
Mariia M.added a comment 10 months ago
I think, it might be regional. The book is about life in a small town in Ireland during the 40s-60s.
⁌ ULY ⁍added a comment 10 months ago
Ah, there you have it.
| Валерий |added a comment 10 months ago
Семи пядей во лбу/ума палата
reserveradded a comment 10 months ago
like in 'as sharp as a steel trap'
reserveradded a comment 10 months ago
Еще говорят 'Ума палата, а ключ к ней потерян' ))
Mariia M.added a comment 10 months ago
reserver, Валерий Данилин, "ума палата..." - это о человеке недалёком, но думающем, что он очень умный.
В моём примере, молодой человек (Foxy) действительно смышлёный.
reserveradded a comment 10 months ago
Mariia M. Да, но это в случае иронии или наличия продолжения. А в оригинале - похвала.