The difference, and the problem, is the word "clever." If you leave it out, and just plainly state "I can't figure out why x doesn't work," it's less likely to

The difference, and the problem, is the word "clever." If you leave it out, and just plainly state "I can't figure out why x doesn't work," it's less likely to be misunderstood, and it's an accurate representation of your current mental state.