know all the answers

Idioms and Phrases

Also, know a thing or two ; know it all ; know one's way around . Be extremely knowledgeable or experienced. These idioms may be used somewhat differently, expressing overconfidence, as in Helen always knew all the answers, or thought she did , or competence, as in Bob knows a thing or two about battery technology , or ruefulness, as in I thought I knew it all about plants and then I got poison ivy , or genuine expertise, as in John knows his way around tax forms . The first term dates from the early 1900s, the second from the later 1700s, the third from the later 1800s, and the fourth, also put as know one's way about , dates from the 1500s. Also see know one's stuff ; know the ropes ; under tricks of the trade .

Related Words

• apprehensive
• careful
• cautious
• cognizant
• conscious
• conversant
• knowledgeable
• observant
• respectful
• solicitous
• vigilant
• wary
• watchful