Help with everyday English idioms?

Question

Hi,

I was talking to a university professor recently and he mentioned two idioms, I forgot what was one of them, they're common.

He said something about being "book smart" and some other idiom which is the opposite of it that means one who learns from what he is taught and not just memorises out of books.

Can anyone tell me what it is?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

you're probably looking for "street smart".  it means having common sense, or having more worldly knowledge, or like.. being clever.  

book smart is more like knowing where Patagonia is and who Tycho Brahe was

Answer 2

probably "street smart"