一いちを聞きいて十じゅうを知しる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

to understand everything from only one part; to be quick on the uptake

Idiomatic expression describing someone who is extremely perceptive and can grasp the whole picture from just a small hint. Often used to praise intelligence or quick understanding.

• 彼かれは一いちを聞きいて十じゅうを知しるような人ひとだ。

  He is the kind of person who understands everything from just a hint.

• 一いちを聞きいて十じゅうを知しるというのは、本ほん当とうに賢かしこい人ひとのことだ。

  Being quick on the uptake is a trait of truly smart people.