Teach your grandmother to suck eggs: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Teach your grandmother to suck eggs” mean?

"Teach your grandmother to suck eggs" means to attempt to teach someone something they already know or are already skilled at.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I don't need you to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, I already know how to do it.

Example

Don't waste your time trying to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, she's been doing it for years.

Example

He arrogantly tried to teach his grandmother to suck eggs, not realizing she was an expert in the field

Is “Teach your grandmother to suck eggs” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Teach your grandmother to suck eggs” 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 “Teach your grandmother to suck eggs” effectively in context?

You can use "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs" to express that someone is trying to teach or explain something to someone who already knows it or is already skilled at it. It is often used in a dismissive or sarcastic manner. For example, if someone is trying to explain how to use a computer to a tech-savvy person, you might say, 'Don't bother trying to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, she's been using computers since before you were born.'

• 1. Knowledge

  I don't need you to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, I already know how to do it.

• 2. Experience

  Don't waste your time trying to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, she's been doing it for years.

• 3. Expertise

  He arrogantly tried to teach his grandmother to suck eggs, not realizing she was an expert in the field.

Similar phrases to “Teach your grandmother to suck eggs”:

Preach to the choir

To try to convince someone of something they already believe or support

Example

Don't preach to the choir, we all agree with you.

Carry coals to Newcastle

To do something unnecessary or redundant

Example

Bringing more food to the potluck would be like carrying coals to Newcastle.

Teach a fish to swim

To teach someone something they already know or are naturally good at

Example

Trying to teach her how to dance is like teaching a fish to swim.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Teach your grandmother to suck eggs” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs" is unknown.

Is “Teach your grandmother to suck eggs” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be encountered in literature or older texts.

What tone does “Teach your grandmother to suck eggs” have?

"Teach your grandmother to suck eggs" conveys a tone of dismissiveness or sarcasm. It is often used to belittle someone's attempt to teach or explain something to someone who is already knowledgeable or skilled in that area.

Can “Teach your grandmother to suck eggs” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs" is informal and may not be appropriate in formal settings. It is more commonly used in casual conversations among friends or family.

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, 'I don't need you to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, I already know how to do it.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Teach your grandmother to suck eggs!' to imply that someone is being unnecessary or redundant in their explanation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• state the obvious
• tell someone what they already know
• waste one's breath
• beat a dead horse

Antonyms

• learn from scratch
• teach someone something new
• explain a concept to someone unfamiliar