What does “Know where all the bodies are buried” mean?
"Know where all the bodies are buried" means to have knowledge of all the secrets or hidden information.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's been with the company for years, he knows where all the bodies are buried.
Example
The detective claimed to know where all the bodies are buried in the criminal organization.
Example
The journalist's sources allowed her to know where all the bodies are buried in the political scandal
Is “Know where all the bodies are buried” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Know where all the bodies are buried” 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 where all the bodies are buried” effectively in context?
You can use "Know where all the bodies are buried" to describe someone who has extensive knowledge of all the secrets or hidden information in a particular situation. It implies that the person knows about the wrongdoing or questionable actions of others and can potentially use that knowledge to their advantage. For example, if someone has been working at a company for a long time and is aware of all the unethical practices or scandals, you might say, 'He's been with the company for years, he "knows where all the bodies are buried".'
- 1Workplace
The new employee quickly gained a reputation for knowing where all the bodies are buried and was able to leverage that knowledge to advance in the company.
- 2Crime
The detective claimed to know where all the bodies are buried in the criminal organization, which made him a valuable asset in solving cases.
- 3Politics
The journalist's sources allowed her to know where all the bodies are buried in the political scandal, enabling her to write an exposé that shook the nation.
Similar phrases to “Know where all the bodies are buried”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Know where all the bodies are buried” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Know where all the bodies are buried" is unknown.
Is “Know where all the bodies are buried” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Know where all the bodies are buried" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in specific contexts such as discussions about corruption, scandals, or situations where someone has access to hidden information.
What tone does “Know where all the bodies are buried” have?
"Know where all the bodies are buried" conveys a tone of intrigue and secrecy. It suggests that the person being described has insider knowledge and holds power or influence because of it.
Can “Know where all the bodies are buried” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Know where all the bodies are buried" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations or storytelling. It may not be appropriate for formal or professional contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's been with the company for years, he "knows where all the bodies are buried".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I "know where all the bodies are buried"!' to imply having secret knowledge.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- have all the dirt
- be privy to all the information
- be in possession of all the secrets
- know all the ins and outs
Antonyms
- be in the dark
- be clueless
- be out of the loop
- be unaware
- be ignorant
