Someone who is competent in specific skills might be compelled to show off his or her skills to the extent of being pedantic. This behavior could be annoying if they don’t master the topic. It’s better to be straightforward by admitting their ignorance rather than pretending to master or in other word smart aleck.
This kind of people when being asked will behave as if he or she does know the solution. By offering some solutions and speaks vaguely but at the end of the day, none of solutions found. They are too proud to admit.
Not all people are expert in many fields. If one cannot give answer, it should not diminish their reputation provided person who ask is prudent enough.
Hary Prabowo Suryoatmojo 