verb
/ˈnoʊ/ not used in progressive tenses knows; knew /ˈnuː, Brit ˈnjuː/; known /ˈnoʊn/; knowing
to have (information of some kind) in your mind [+ obj]
to understand (something) :to have a clear and complete idea of (something) [+ obj]
usually + how, why, where, etc.
[+ obj] :to have learned (something, as a skill or a language)
to be aware of (something) :to realize (something) [+ obj]
to be certain of (something) [+ obj]
[+ obj] to have met and talked to (someone) :to be acquainted or familiar with (a person)
to have experience with (something) :to be acquainted or familiar with (something)
to have experienced (something)
usually used as known
[+ obj] to recognize (someone or something) :to identify (someone or something) accurately
to recognize the difference between two things :to be able to distinguish (one thing) from another
[+ obj] to be sure that (someone or something) has a particular quality, character, etc., because of your experiences with that person or thing - usually followed by to + verb
to think of (someone or something) as having a particular quality, character, etc. - + as
c - used to indicate the name that people know or use for someone or something; + as
d - used to say that someone or something has a particular quality, feature, ability, etc., that people know about; + for
usually used as (be) known for
e
Someone who has been known to be or known to do something has been or done that thing in the past.
before you know it
very quickly or soon
better the devil you know than the devil you don't
don't I know it
informal - used to say that you agree with what has just been said
for all I know
informal - used to say that you have little or no knowledge of something
God knows
or goodness knows or heaven knows or Lord knows
informal
used to stress that something is not known
used to make a statement more forceful
have known better days
I don't know
used to say that you do not have the information someone is asking for
informal - used to express disagreement, doubt, or uncertainty
used to say that you are uncertain about someone or something
if you must know
used when you are answering a question that you do not want to answer because the information is personal, embarrassing, etc.
I'll have you know
I know (it)
used to express agreement
used to introduce a suggestion
I wouldn't know
used to say that you have not experienced something
know best
or know what's best
to know or understand better than someone else what should be done
know better
to be smart or sensible enough not to do something
to know or understand the truth about something
to know or understand more than other people
know different/otherwise
to know that something that people think or say is true is not really true
know from
[phrasal verb]
know from (someone or something) US informal :to know anything about or care at all about (someone or something) - used in negative statements
know no boundaries
know no bounds
know (something) backward and forward
or Brit know (something) backwards or know (something) inside out or US know (something) inside and out or know (something) like the back of your hand
to know something completely
know (something or someone) for what it/he/she is
to understand what something or someone truly is
know (something) when you see it/one
to be able to recognize or identify something immediately
know the drill
know the score
know what hit you
used in negative statements to say that something you did not expect surprised you very much
know what it is
or to know what it's like
to have experience with a situation, activity, or condition
know what you are talking about
If you know what you are talking about, you deserve to be listened to because you have actual knowledge or experience with something and what you are saying is correct.
know which side your bread is buttered on
know your own heart/mind
to be sure of what you want, like, think, etc.
know yourself
to understand yourself fully :to understand your own emotions, desires, abilities, etc.
know your stuff
know your way around
If you know your way around a place or thing, you are very familiar with it or are good at using or operating it.
let (someone) know
to tell something to someone
let (something) be known
or make (something) known
formal :to tell people something
make yourself known
formal :to introduce yourself :to cause people to know who you are
might/should have known
used to say that you are not surprised to learn of something
not know someone from Adam
informal :to have never met with someone :to not know someone at all
not know the first thing about
to have little or no knowledge about (something or someone)
not know the meaning of (the word)
not know your ass from your elbow
chiefly US or Brit not know your arse from your elbow
informal + impolite :to know nothing :to be stupid
what do you know
informal
used to express surprise
used to say that someone is wrong about something
wouldn't you know (it)?
informal - used to say that something annoying that has happened is the kind of thing that often happens
you know
informal
used when you are trying to help someone remember something
used for emphasis
used when you are not sure of what to say or how to say it
you know something/what?
informal
used to emphasize the statement that comes after it
used to get someone's attention
you know what I mean
informal - used to suggest that the hearer agrees with and understands what has been said or to ask if he or she does or not
you know what they say
informal - used to introduce a common saying or a statement that expresses a common belief
you never know
used to say that it is impossible to be sure about what will happen
noun
in the know
having knowledge about something :having information that most people do not have