wrote the book on

Idioms  

1. Knows nearly everything about, as in Ask Dr. Lock; he wrote the book on pediatric cardiology, or I wrote the book on job-hunting; I've been looking for two years. This expression is always put in the past tense. [Colloquial; second half of 1900s]

---

Example Sentences

This is what I learned from Edward Fishman, who worked on sanctions policy in the Obama administration and literally wrote the book on this subject: “Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Which led me to seek out William Silber, who literally wrote the book on the subject, The Story of Silver: How the White Metal Shaped America and the Modern World.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

Rancho Gordo founder Steve Sando literally wrote the book on beans and has spread the gospel of the globally beloved crop for years.

From Salon • May 8, 2024

Ms Nazeer said Ms Anholt had worked closely with the charity as she wrote the book on unhealthy relationships.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2023

“I wrote the book on right. Silent Somersault?”

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray