What does “Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand” mean?

"Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand" means to be very familiar with something.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I've been working on this project for so long, I know it like the back of my hand.

Example

After years of studying, I know the subject matter of this book like the back of my hand.

Example

As a tour guide, I know this city like the back of my hand

Is “Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand” effectively in context?

You can use "Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand" to express a high level of familiarity with something. It implies that you know it extremely well, as if you were intimately familiar with the back of your own hand. For example, if someone asks you for directions in a city you are very familiar with, you might say, 'Don't worry, I know this city like the back of my hand.'

1Personal Experience
After years of living in the neighborhood, she knows the local shops and restaurants like the back of her hand.
2Academic Knowledge
Having studied the subject extensively, he knows the theories and concepts like the back of his hand.
3Professional Expertise
As a chef, she knows the recipe like the back of her hand and can make it from memory.

Similar phrases to “Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand”:

Inside out

To know something thoroughly or completely

Example

He knows the rules of the game inside out.

Backwards and forwards

To know something very well, including all the details

Example

She knows the script backwards and forwards.

Like the palm of one's hand

To know something very well, as if you were intimately familiar with the palm of your own hand

Example

He knows the layout of the building like the palm of his hand.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand" is unknown.

Is “Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize their deep knowledge or familiarity with a particular subject or place.

What tone does “Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand” have?

"Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand" conveys a tone of confidence and expertise. It suggests a strong level of familiarity and understanding.

Can “Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Know (Something) Like the Back of One’s Hand" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being highly knowledgeable about something. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or academic discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After years of working in this industry, I know it like the back of my hand.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I know this place like the back of my hand!' to imply familiarity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be familiar with
have a thorough knowledge of
know inside and out
be well-acquainted with
have a deep understanding of

Antonyms

be unfamiliar with
not know at all
be clueless about
have no knowledge of