Knowledge and understanding are an integral part of communication. We often use expressions with “know” to convey how much we understand a situation or how familiar we are with something or someone. Here are some common idiomatic expressions using the verb “to know” and their meanings with examples.
Expressions with KNOW
As far as I know
Meaning: As much as you know about a matter at a particular time (although you may be mistaken).
Example: The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. as far as I know, but I could be wrong.
This expression indicates that the information being provided is based on the speaker’s knowledge at the time, but they acknowledge they may be mistaken. It allows for the possibility of error in what the speaker thinks they know.
Before you know it
Meaning: Takes place suddenly, before you are aware of what’s happening.
Example: The doorbell rang, and before we knew it a surprise birthday party was under way!
This idiom expresses how quickly and unexpectedly something can happen without warning. One minute everything is normal, and the next minute circumstances have dramatically changed.
Dying to know
Meaning: Be extremely eager to know something.
Example: I’m going to call Eva. I’m dying to know if she got the job.
When you are “dying to know” something, you have an intense desire to find out some information. Your curiosity is burning to be satisfied.
Know better than to do something
Meaning: Be experienced or wise enough not to do something.
Example: You should know better than to go sailing in stormy weather.
This expression implies that someone has enough knowledge, judgment, or experience to avoid making an unwise choice. It gently admonishes them for doing something they should have known was foolish or risky.
Know someone inside out
Meaning: Know someone extremely well.
Example: Sue and Amy have been friends since childhood. They know each other inside out.
When you “know someone inside out,” you are deeply familiar with all aspects of their personality, character, quirks, flaws, virtues, life experiences, and intimate thoughts. There are no secrets between you.
Know something like the back of your hand
Meaning: Know something in detail or be very familiar with it.
Example: Of course I won’t get lost. I know London like the back of my hand.
If you “know something like the back of your hand,” it implies comprehensive mastery of the subject. Just as you know every curve, line, and spot on your own hand without even looking, you have an exhaustive knowledge of the thing being referenced.
Know the ropes
Meaning: Be familiar with the way something is done and know how to do it.
Example: Charlie can fill in for Sam at any time – he knows the ropes.
When someone “knows the ropes,” they understand the proper procedures, protocols, techniques, and skills needed to accomplish a task or perform a job.
Know the score
Meaning: Be well-informed about a situation and know what to expect.
Example: If Laura damages the car, her dad won’t lend it to her again. She knows the score.
To “know the score” means you comprehend the rules or realities of a circumstance. You are knowledgeable about the likely outcomes or consequences based on your understanding.
Know your own mind
Meaning: Know what you want or like and be capable of making a decision.
Example: I don’t want to influence you. You’re old enough to know your own mind.
If you “know your own mind,” you have strong convictions and opinions. You know what you want and are decisive without needing direction from others.
Know which side your bread is buttered
Meaning: Know where your interests lie or what can be to your advantage.
Example: Andy never argues with his boss. He knows which side his bread is buttered.
This idiom means recognizing what is beneficial or profitable for you in a situation. Just as buttering only one side of bread makes sense, you focus your efforts where it counts.
Know which way the wind is blowing
Meaning: Be aware of how a situation is developing so that you can adapt to any changes.
Example: Before we decide on anything, we need to know which way the wind is blowing.
When you “know which way the wind is blowing,” you closely monitor which direction events are heading and circumstances are trending. This allows you to adjust your plans or tactics accordingly.
Not know what hit you
Meaning: Be so surprised, shocked or confused by something that you don’t know how to react.
Example: John didn’t know what hit him whenJulie suddenly broke off their engagement.
If you “don’t know what hit you,” something happens that is so astonishing or devastating you are left stunned, bewildered, and at a total loss about how to even process the situation let alone respond to it.
Conclusion
Expressions using the word “know” are an essential part of everyday English speech and writing. They allow us to communicate subtly how much we really understand about something or someone. Mastering these idiomatic phrases can help you sound more fluent and eloquent in English. From stating the limitations of your knowledge to expressing familiarity and awareness, idioms with “know” have you covered.