know all the answers

Idioms  

1. Also, know a thing or two; know it all; know one's way around. Be extremely knowledgeable or experienced. These idioms may be used somewhat differently, expressing overconfidence, as in Helen always knew all the answers, or thought she did, or competence, as in Bob knows a thing or two about battery technology, or ruefulness, as in I thought I knew it all about plants and then I got poison ivy, or genuine expertise, as in John knows his way around tax forms. The first term dates from the early 1900s, the second from the later 1700s, the third from the later 1800s, and the fourth, also put as know one's way about, dates from the 1500s. Also see know one's stuff; know the ropes; under tricks of the trade.

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Example Sentences

“Overall, just provide reassurance, that this is what we know right now. Let them know you don’t know all the answers but here are some places we can go,” Domingues said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2022

Listen and don’t come in thinking you know all the answers.

From Reuters • Dec. 22, 2021

We don’t know all the answers of where we’re going.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2021

“We do not know all the answers at this time,” McAleenan wrote in the memo.

From Washington Post • Feb. 8, 2018

Ray looks up at me, believes I know all the answers.

From "Towers Falling" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• apprehensive
• careful
• cautious
• cognizant
• conscious
• conversant
• knowledgeable
• observant
• respectful
• solicitous
• vigilant
• wary
• watchful