thing or two

Idioms

Quite a lot, as in You can count on Bob to tell you a thing or two about Iran. This term is nearly always an understatement. [Mid-1800s] Also see under know all the answers.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There are relay runners who might learn a thing or two from their timing and coordination.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

We hope you learned a thing or two from this edition of Executive Dysfunction, and if you enjoyed reading it, please consider supporting our legal journalism by becoming a Slate Plus member!

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2026

Costa is originally from Portugal, a country that knows a thing or two about delicious fish.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Martha Stewart knows a thing or two about entertaining, and her meticulous attention to the details of dinner isn’t just reserved for her guests.

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2025

“Ser Jorah dreams of rescuing his dragon queen and basking in her gratitude, but I know a thing or two about the gratitude of kmgs, and I’d sooner have a palace in Valyria.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023