Just know that this isn’t standard. Normally we say “smart as a whip“. 
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Mariia M.asked for translation 2 years 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 2 years ago
Mariia M.added a comment 2 years 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 2 years ago
Ah, there you have it.
Валерий ㅤadded a comment 2 years ago
Семи пядей во лбу/ума палата
reserveradded a comment 2 years ago
like in 'as sharp as a steel trap'
reserveradded a comment 2 years ago
Еще говорят 'Ума палата, а ключ к ней потерян' ))
Mariia M.added a comment 2 years 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 2 years ago
Mariia M. Да, но это в случае иронии или наличия продолжения. А в оригинале - похвала.