What does “Know your onions” mean?
"Know your onions" means to have a deep understanding or knowledge about a particular subject or topic.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He really knows his onions when it comes to cooking.
Example
I've been studying for years, so I definitely know my onions in this field.
Example
She's the go-to person for advice on that topic - she really knows her onions
Is “Know your onions” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Know your onions” 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 your onions” effectively in context?
You can use "Know your onions" to express that someone has a deep understanding or knowledge about a particular subject or topic. It emphasizes expertise and competence. For example, if someone is highly knowledgeable about cooking, you might say, 'He really knows his onions when it comes to cooking.'
- 1Cooking
He really knows his onions when it comes to cooking.
- 2Academic Studies
I've been studying for years, so I definitely know my onions in this field.
- 3Expertise
She's the go-to person for advice on that topic - she really knows her onions.
Similar phrases to “Know your onions”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Know your onions” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Know your onions" is unknown.
Is “Know your onions” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Know your onions" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. While it may not be as common as some other idioms, it is still used to convey a person's expertise or deep knowledge in a particular area.
What tone does “Know your onions” have?
"Know your onions" conveys a tone of admiration and respect. It is often used to praise someone's knowledge and expertise.
Can “Know your onions” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Know your onions" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations among friends or in more professional contexts such as presentations or discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He really knows his onions when it comes to cooking.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I know my onions!' to assert one's expertise.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- be knowledgeable about
- have expertise in
- be well-versed in
- be proficient in
- be a specialist in
Antonyms
- be clueless about
- have no knowledge of
- be ignorant about
- be unfamiliar with