meaning of the phrase 'withering intelligence'

[Klpno]

Hi everyone.

What' s the meaning of the phrase 'withering intelligence', please?

His dark wit was locally famous, and a withering intelligence was rumored to hide behind the brown-black eyes.

[Alan]

Hi,

It means it was the sort of intelligence that makes the other person feel ashamed of their own intelligence - it gives the other person the sense of being made to feel inferior. It's also used in the expression: give someone a withering look, which has the same effect on the recipient.

Alan
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[Klpno]

Thank you very much, Alan.