know what's what
know what's what
To know the true facts or most fundamental information (about someone or something). Kid, I've been doing this job for longer than you've been alive, so trust me when I say that I know what's what around here.
See also: know, what
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
know what's what
If you know what's what, you know the important things that need to be known about a situation. You have to know what's what and when to draw the line. You should come across the river with us. Then you will really see what's what.
See also: know, what
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
know what's what
have enough knowledge or experience. informal 1992 More I know what's what at work, so no-one's going to trip me up.
See also: know, what
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
know what’s ˈwhat
(informal) know all that needs to be known in a particular situation or in general: Ask Ann. She knows what’s what. She’s been here for years.See also: know, what
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
know what’s what
tv. to be aware of what is going on in the world. We don’t know what’s what around here yet.
See also: know, what
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
know what's what, to
To be cognizant of the full situation; to be familiar with all the facts. This term may have been coined by Samuel Butler (Hudibras, 1663): “He knew what’s what, and that’s as high as metaphysic wit can fly.” Dickens’s Sam Weller (Pickwick Papers) used it too: “‘That ’ere young lady’, replied Sam. ‘She knows wot’s wot, she does.’”
See also: know
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- know what’s what
- know what's what, to
- as we know it
- I know
- can't say as I do
- (I) can't say as I do
- know what
- before you know where you are
- by any chance
- have no idea