box clever Definition

box²
verb boxes, boxed, boxing

tr & intr
1. To fight with the hands formed into fists and protected by thick leather gloves, especially as a sport.

Thesaurus: spar, scrap (slang), duke (US slang).
2. colloq
To hit (especially someone's ears) with the fist, or sometimes the hand.
Thesaurus: cuff, clout.

noun

boxes
1. colloq
A punch with the fist, or sometimes a cuff or slap, especially on the ears.
Form: a box on the ears (usually)

Idiom: box clever

colloq
To act in a clever or cunning way; to be smart.

Etymology: 16c as verb; 14c, meaning ‘a blow'.