English Vocabulary for learners
Expressions with 'KNOW'
from: 'as far as I know'
to: 'not know what hit you'
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| As far as I know | As much as you know about a matter at a particular time (although you may be mistaken). | "The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. as far as I know, but I could be wrong.” |
| Before you know it | Takes place suddenly, before you are aware of what’s happening. | "The doorbell rang, and before we knew it a surprise birthday party was under way!" |
| Dying to know | Be extremely eager to know something. | “I’m going to call Eva. I’m dying to know if she got the job.” |
| Know better than to do something | Be experienced or wise enough not to do something. | "You should know better than to go sailing in stormy weather." |
| Know someone inside out | Know someone extremely well. | “Sue and Amy have been friends since childhood. They know each other inside out. ” |
| Know something like the back of your hand | Know something in detail or be very familiar with it. | "Of course I won't get lost. I know London like the back of my hand" |
| Know the ropes | Be familiar with the way something is done and know how to do it | "Charlie can fill in for Sam at any time – he knows the ropes.” |
| Know the score | Be well-informed about a situation and know what to expect. | “If Laura damages the car, her dad won't lend it to her again. She knows the score." |
| Know your own mind | Know what you want or like and be capable of making a decision | “I don’t want to influence you. You’re old enough to know your own mind.” |
| Know which side your bread is buttered | Know where your interests lie or what can be to your advantage. | "Andy never argues with his boss. He knows which side his bread is buttered." |
| Know which way the wind is blowing | Be aware of how a situation is developing so that you can adapt to any changes. | "Before we decide on anything, we need to know which way the wind is blowing.” |
| Not know what hit you | Be so surprised, shocked or confused by something that you don't know how to react. | “When I was told that I had won the competition I didn't know what hit me!" |