抜(ぬ)け目(め)がない

ぬけめがない

expression

shrewd; not missing a trick; sharp

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(かれ)は抜(ぬ)け目(め)がない。

He doesn't miss a trick.

抜(ぬ)け目(め)がない商売(しょうばい)人(にん)だ。

He's a shrewd businessman.

彼女(かのじょ)は抜(ぬ)け目(め)がなく、どんなチャンスも逃(のが)さない。

She is sharp and never lets any opportunity slip by.

Literally "there are no missed spots." 抜(ぬ)け目(め) means an overlooked spot or oversight; with がない, the meaning is that the person leaves no openings or gaps.

Usage

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(ぬ)け目(め)のない人(ひと): a shrewd person
抜(ぬ)け目(め)なく立(た)ち回(まわ)る: to act shrewdly, work the situation
商売(しょうばい)に抜(ぬ)け目(め)がない: shrewd in business

Similar words

ちゃっかり: cheekily shrewd — captures self-serving cleverness, often colloquial
賢(かしこ)い: clever, wise — purely positive, no calculating nuance
油断(ゆだん)大敵(たいてき): carelessness is the great enemy — proverb, focuses on avoiding mistakes rather than seizing advantages

Related Words

Compare: ちゃっかり (cheekily shrewd)

Compare: 賢(かしこ)い (clever, wise)

Compare: 油断大敵(ゆだんたいてき) (carelessness is the great enemy)

Compare: 狡(ずる)い (sly, cunning, unfair)

Compare: 悪賢(わるがしこ)い (cunning)

Compare: ちゃっかりする (to be shrewd)

general

Added 2026.5.29 11:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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