1.
shrewd; not missing a trick; sharp; calculating
Describes someone who is alert, calculating, and never lets an opportunity slip — especially when it comes to gaining advantage or profit. Often carries a mildly negative or wry tone.
彼は抜け目がない。
He doesn't miss a trick.
抜け目がない商売人だ。
He's a shrewd businessman.
彼女は抜け目がなく、どんなチャンスも逃さない。
She is sharp and never lets any opportunity slip by.
Literally "there are no missed spots." 抜け目 means an overlooked spot or oversight; with がない, the meaning is that the person leaves no openings or gaps.
NUANCE:
Most often used to describe people. Carries a slightly negative or sardonic edge — admires the cleverness while hinting at self-interest or calculation. Praise is usually mixed with caution.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 抜け目のない人: a shrewd person
- 抜け目なく立ち回る: to act shrewdly, work the situation
- 商売に抜け目がない: shrewd in business
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ちゃっかり: cheekily shrewd — captures self-serving cleverness, often colloquial
- 賢い: clever, wise — purely positive, no calculating nuance
- 油断大敵: carelessness is the great enemy — proverb, focuses on avoiding mistakes rather than seizing advantages