Phrase guide

smooth operator

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace, especially one with verbal skills who is persuasive in interpersonal relationships, negotiation, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A skillful, manipulative person, con artist, or clever scoundrel.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 能說會道的人 /能说会道的人 (néngshuōhuìdào de rén) — person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace
  • Dutch: oliemannetje — person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace
  • Finnish: sulava — person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace
  • Chinese Mandarin: 老奸巨猾的人 (lǎojiānjùhuá de rén) — manipulative person
  • Dutch: gladjakker — manipulative person
  • Finnish: lipevä — manipulative person