know what's what
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To be well-informed, to understand a situation thoroughly: This phrase means to possess practical knowledge and good judgment about how things work in a particular area or situation. It implies a deep, often experiential understanding that allows one to make sound decisions.
Usage
- This phrase is used to describe someone who is savvy, experienced, and not easily fooled. It often refers to understanding the realities, rules, or hidden aspects of a specific field, system, or social context.
- It is typically used in informal or conversational English.
Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Talk to Sarah if you have questions about the procedure; she knows what's what around here.
- After twenty years in the fashion industry, he definitely knows what's what.
- You need to know what's what before you invest your money in that market.
Advanced Usage
- "to get to know what's what": to learn or figure out how things really work.
- It took me a few months to get to know what's what in my new job.
- Often used to give advice or emphasize the importance of being informed.
- In this business, it's crucial to know what's what.
Variants and Related Words
- Know the score (idiom, verb phrase): To be aware of the essential facts or the true situation.
- Don't worry about him, he knows the score.
- Know the ropes (idiom, verb phrase): To understand the details and procedures of a particular job or activity.
- She's been here long enough to know the ropes.
Synonyms
- Be clued in: To be well-informed about something.
- Be in the know: To have special or inside information.
- Be savvy: To have practical knowledge and the ability to make good judgments.
Related Idioms
- Have street smarts: To have the experience and knowledge necessary to deal with the potential difficulties or dangers of life in a big city or any complex environment.
- You need street smarts to navigate that neighborhood.
- Know one's way around: To be very familiar with a place or subject.
- He really knows his way around a kitchen.
Verb
- be well-informed