none the wiser

Related to none the wiser: take it on the chin, run an errand, I couldn't agree more, To Say the Least

none the wiser

1. Completely unaware of something (typically because others have kept it a secret). I know you're not supposed to take the car out while your parents are gone, but just fill up the tank before they come back and they'll be none the wiser.
2. Unable to understand or comprehend something, especially after receiving information or explanations about it. He explained it to me many times, but his lesson left me none the wiser. I've read the manual twice, but I'm still none the wiser as to how this is supposed to work.
See also: none, wiser
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

none the wiser

not knowing any more in spite of events or exposure to facts. I was none the wiser about black holes after the lecture. It was a complete waste of time. Anne tried to explain the situation tactfully to Bob, but in the end, he was none the wiser.
See also: none, wiser
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

none the wiser

Knowing no more than before, as in He tried to explain the tax structure, but in the end I was none the wiser. [Early 1800s]
See also: none, wiser
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • not have the first idea
  • have no idea
  • tank up
  • tank up (on something)
  • tanked
  • tanked up
  • not have the slightest idea
  • not know (someone) from a bar of soap
  • (I'll be) hanged if I know!
  • tank
References in periodicals archive
Fans are none the wiser as to what Niasse can bring.
Rom has to be kept fit - because the other strikers aren't trusted
"An average fan in the street may be none the wiser by what is revealed.
New league rules may not solve Leeds United ownership riddle
Call me a simpleton but when a friend tried to explain it to me I was still none the wiser.
GORDON WADDELL: Baffled? You bet!
"Thanks love," said the old lady, clambering on board, none the wiser but happy as Larry.
Ginger Snaps
When he confronted the consultant, he was told that if he hadn't looked at the notes, he would have been none the wiser.
Nightmare vision of state 'euthanasia'
And while I can't argue with the fact that red red wine goes to my head, I am absolutely none the wiser about what to do with a rat in mi kitchen.
WHERE DID I GO WRONG? ANYONE?
If she said no, he wasn't going to tell her where the ring was, so when he comes out of prison the ring is still there for him to collect and she would be none the wiser.
l I'VE got a "could[...]
Among his standout songs was None The Wiser, taken from his album of the same title released this year.
Folk with wit and humour; REVIEW
Meanwhile, the villagers are still none the wiser about the father of Amber's baby, but in true 'Oaks fashion, rumours are rife.
If Jasmine, below, thought that [...]
Although Baker was none the wiser before the event, things could have been different as the Tannoy system had relayed the details of the first race, including the race title.
ON HIS KNEES; (... and that's before having a bet!)
Time after time, the deadlines have passed and we're none the wiser.
Letter: YOUR SHOUT - NUFC situation frightens me
The person I spoke to suggested that, if the foam had been in a black plastic bag, the bin men would have been none the wiser and the rubbish would have been taken away.
Letter: Your Say - Response was load of rubbish
However, at the close of play everybody was still none the wiser.
Polo: Smokey Oakey dokey!
Trainer John Oxx said: 'He's just had the one run and we're none the wiser about him.
Ehsan a dark one for Derby
Yet all she could scrape out of our NHS was a belated appointment with a perplexed GP and a perfunctory blood test, the results of which made her none the wiser and have done nothing to ease our fears.
Echo viewpoints: PM given the VIP treatment