know (something) forwards and backwards

know (something) forwards and backwards

To be extremely familiar with a particular subject, field, or piece of writing, film, music, etc. Primarily heard in US. I've read this book so many times, I know it forwards and backwards. You should ask Samantha about the issue—she knows car engines forwards and backwards.
See also: and, backward, forwards, know
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

know something backwards and forwards and know something forwards and backwards

Fig. to know something very well; to know a passage of language so well that one could recite it backwards as well as forwards. Of course I've memorized my speech. I know it backwards and forwards.
See also: and, backward, forwards, know
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (one's) true colours
  • (Someone or something) called, they want their (something) back!
  • tomorrow
  • banner
  • one rotten apple spoils the (whole) barrel
  • one rotten apple spoils the (whole) bushel
  • rotten apple spoils the barrel
  • a bad apple spoils the (whole) barrel
  • a rotten apple spoils the (whole) barrel
  • a rotten apple spoils the (whole) bunch