Idioms With Know

As we know it

This is an expression used when you are talking about something people are familiar with, especially something that is likely to change forever.

  • A nuclear war could mean the end of the world as we know it.

As you know

This expression is used when you are saying something that somebody already knows.

  • As you know, we have already discussed this.

Get to know = start to be familiar with someone or something

  • She is nice when you get to know her.
  • It took me a while to get to know the city properly.

God/Goodness/Heaven knows

This is an expression used for saying that you do not know something.

  • ‘Where on earth is he at the moment?’ ‘Goodness knows.’

I don’t know

This expression is sometimes used for saying that you do not completely agree.

  • ‘I think the film will be boring.’ ‘Oh I don’t know. It could be interesting.’

This expression can also be used for criticizing people.

  • I don’t know how people can be so insensitive.

If you must know

This is an expression used when you are answering someone in an annoyed way.

  • I’m not seeing him, if you must know.
  • He is not my boyfriend, if you must know.

Know something backwards / know something inside out

When you know something inside out / backwards you are very familiar with it.

Know best

  • When it comes to toys, children know best.
  • When it comes to cosmetics, women know best.

Know better

When you know better you know that what someone says or does is wrong.

  • Everybody thought that it was an innocent prank, but I knew better. (= I knew that it was not an innocent mistake.)

Know your own mind

When you know your own mind you are certain about what you like and what you want.

  • Francis has always been a man who knows his own mind.

Know what’s what

To know what’s what is to be very clever or experienced.

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I am Manjusha. This is my blog where I give English grammar lessons and worksheets.

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