Pokes sharply' can be defined as a physical action of prodding or jabbing something with a sharp object. It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to get the attention of another person or animal by using a pointed object. The crossword solution for this term is 'DIGS, ' which means to use a tool to make a hole in the ground. This action is similar to poking sharply in that it involves using a tool to create a hole in an object.