not know the meaning of the word

not know the meaning of the word

To be completely without the particular quality, trait, or characteristic that is being described. Integrity? Ha! John doesn't know the meaning of the word! Oh please, Janet, you don't know the meaning of the word "poor."
See also: know, meaning, not, of, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not know the meaning of the word

If you mention a word and say that someone doesn't know the meaning of the word, you mean that they do not have a particular quality or have never done or experienced a particular thing. Love? He doesn't know the meaning of the word! Ruthie was an optimist; she didn't even know the meaning of the word depression. Note: Nouns such as phrase and term are sometimes used instead of word. Patrick doesn't know the meaning of the phrase `speed limit'.
See also: know, meaning, not, of, word
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

not know the meaning of the word

behave as if unaware of the concept referred to or implied. informal
See also: know, meaning, not, of, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

not know the ˈmeaning of the word

(disapproving) not have enough experience of something to understand what it really is; not be capable of really understanding something: Love? He doesn’t know the meaning of the word. They talk about justice, but they don’t know the meaning of the word.
See also: know, meaning, not, of, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • there was/is something about (someone or something)
  • there's something about (someone or something)
  • there's something about somebody/something
  • prove (to be) (something)
  • prove to be
  • as (something) as they come
  • as as they come
  • as clever, stupid, etc. as they come
  • How (something) can you be?
  • how selfish, stupid, ungrateful, etc. can you get?
References in classic literature
Let Meno take the examples of figure and colour, and try to define them.' Meno confesses his inability, and after a process of interrogation, in which Socrates explains to him the nature of a 'simile in multis,' Socrates himself defines figure as 'the accompaniment of colour.' But some one may object that he does not know the meaning of the word 'colour;' and if he is a candid friend, and not a mere disputant, Socrates is willing to furnish him with a simpler and more philosophical definition, into which no disputed word is allowed to intrude: 'Figure is the limit of form.' Meno imperiously insists that he must still have a definition of colour.
Meno
The boy did not know the meaning of the word, nor was he ever in his after life to experience the sensation.
The Outlaw of Torn
"President Estrada is a man who does not know the meaning of the word fear.
GOSSIP GIRL: Gary Lising likely making 'em laugh in heaven too
They do not know the meaning of the word 'no' and indeed, have attended our very own breast cancer charity evening to help us raise funds."
Bloodrun charity goes Green; Advertisement feature
In the video, she narrated a story when a "white" Arab friend called her "Abeed." She later apologized and told her that she did not know the meaning of the word.
Arabic Speakers on Twitter Campaign to Make 'Abeed' the New 'N-Word'
I don't know if M Carter knows the meaning of the word petulant, but he certainly does not know the meaning of the word plot.
Who are these people?
He can play at rightback, right-midfield, centremidfield or left-back and "does not know the meaning of the word defeat", according to his biography on the United website.
Spice 1999: Midtjylland born same year United won Treble
It seems that either Mr Maton has not visited it either or does not know the meaning of the word "green".
Out of touch with residents; Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net
He was revered worldwide as a man of peace and forgiveness, a man who did not know the meaning of the word "malice".
Nelson Mandela was revered all over the world as a man of peace and forgiveness, a man who did not know the meaning of the word 'malice'
Indeed, he did not know the meaning of the word tired and many of the students testify to having three and four hour lessons with him!
In memory of Yuli Turovsky (June 7, 1939-January 15, 2013)/In memoriam Yuli Turovsky (7 juin 1939-15 janvier 2013)
I suspect that they do not know the meaning of the word "ordinance" and that a white line is only a rough indication of how far the vehicle's wheels, have crossed it.
Maybe there are not so many of us fitting the label "rational"
For instance when reading Superfudge by Judy Blume, he substitutes "When is your baby going to be born?' instead of 'When is your baby due?' He explained that he did not know the meaning of the word 'due' but that he understood it was a pregnancy and that the baby was going to be born.
Promoting reading success: strategies and ideas that work!
Bill Clinton did not know the meaning of the word "is," and President Obama seems to have difficulty with the definitions of words such as "transparency" and "openness."
Freedom is not free
Blears and her colleagues do not know the meaning of the word.
Don't give them benefit of doubt
The luckless Michael Sophocles came in for a blasting from the competition's businessman overlord, Sir Alan Sugar, himself Jewish, who questioned Sophocles' religious background after the contestant said that he did not know the meaning of the word "l'chaim."
UK 'Apprentice' Contestant: The Hunt for Kosher Chicken