What does “Like the back of your hand” mean?
"Like the back of your hand" means to know something very well or to be very familiar with something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After living in the city for years, he knows the streets like the back of his hand.
Example
She's been studying for the exam for months and knows the material like the back of her hand.
Example
Having worked at the company for over a decade, he knows the company's policies like the back of his hand
Is “Like the back of your hand” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Like the back of your 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 “Like the back of your hand” effectively in context?
You can use "Like the back of your hand" to describe a deep familiarity or extensive knowledge of something. It implies that you know something so well that you are intimately familiar with every detail, just like the back of your hand. For example, if someone asks you for directions in your hometown, you might say, 'Don't worry, I know this place like the back of my hand.'
- 1Navigating a Familiar Area
After living in the city for years, he knows the streets like the back of his hand.
- 2Preparing for an Exam
She's been studying for the exam for months and knows the material like the back of her hand.
- 3Knowing Company Policies
Having worked at the company for over a decade, he knows the company's policies like the back of his hand.
Similar phrases to “Like the back of your hand”:
Backwards and forwards
To know something very well, including all the details
Example
He knows the script backwards and forwards and can recite it flawlessly.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Like the back of your hand” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Like the back of your hand" is unknown.
Is “Like the back of your hand” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Like the back of your hand" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize their familiarity or knowledge of a particular subject or area.
What tone does “Like the back of your hand” have?
"Like the back of your hand" conveys a tone of confidence and expertise. It suggests a high level of familiarity and competence in a specific domain.
Can “Like the back of your hand” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Like the back of your hand" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of deep familiarity or extensive knowledge. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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, 'He knows the city like the back of his 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
- know something inside out
- be familiar with something like the palm of your hand
- have something down pat
- be well-versed in something
- be an expert in something
Antonyms
- know nothing about
- be unfamiliar with
- be clueless about
- be in the dark about
- be a novice at
