Doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground Meaning in English

expression

US

DUZ-nt NOH hiz ASS frum uh HOHL in thuh GROWND

UK

DUZ-nt NOH hiz ASS frum uh HOHL in thuh GROWND

Definition

This is a very rude and insulting way to say someone is completely ignorant or incompetent, especially about something important or basic.

Usage & Nuances

Highly offensive, vulgar, and informal. Only use among close friends who accept strong language, or in fiction/entertainment. Never use in professional, polite, or formal contexts. Often used to criticize someone's knowledge or skills in a specific area.

• Spanish: no sabe nada - no tiene ni idea (expresión insultante)
• Portuguese (BR): não sabe nada - não faz ideia (expressão rude)
• Portuguese (PT): não percebe nada - não faz ideia (expressão ofensiva)
• Chinese (Simplified): 一窍不通（粗鲁表达） - 毫无头绪（粗俗说法）
• Chinese (Traditional): 一竅不通（粗魯用語） - 毫無頭緒（粗俗說法）
• Hindi: कुछ नहीं जानता - ज़रा भी जानकारी नहीं (अपमानजनक मुहावरा)
• Arabic: لا يفهم شيئًا - لا يعرف شيئًا (تعبير مهين)
• Bengali: একেবারে কিছুই জানে না - বিন্দুমাত্র ধারণাও নেই (অপমানজনক)
• Russian: ничего не понимает - совсем не разбирается (грубое выражение)
• Japanese: まったく無知だ（侮辱的な表現） - 何も分かっていない（下品な表現）
• Vietnamese: hoàn toàn không biết gì - không hiểu gì cả (câu miệt thị)
• Korean: 아무것도 모른다 (모욕적 표현) - 전혀 모른다 (속어)
• Turkish: hiçbir şeyden anlamıyor (hakaret) - hiçbir fikri yok (argo)
• Urdu: کچھ بھی نہیں جانتا - ذرا بھی پتا نہیں (توہین آمیز اظہار)
• Indonesian: tidak tahu apa-apa (ungkapan kasar) - sama sekali tidak paham (kasar)

Example Sentences

People say he doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to computers.

basic

My uncle doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground about cars.

basic

I'm sorry, but he doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground in this subject.

basic

Honestly, that guy doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to fixing things.

natural

She acts confident, but she doesn't know her ass from a hole in the ground about business.

natural

You'd think after all these years he'd get it, but he doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground.

natural