Doesn't know his ass from his elbow Meaning in English

expression

US

DUZ-uhnt NOH hiz ASS frum hiz EL-boh

UK

DUZ-uhnt NOH hiz ASS from hiz EL-boh

Definition

This informal and humorous expression means someone is completely ignorant or clueless, especially about what they're supposed to know or do.

Usage & Nuances

Highly informal, often humorous or mildly insulting. Usually directed at someone showing clear ignorance, especially in practical or important matters. May be seen as rude, so use with caution. Common collocation: 'He doesn't know his ass from his elbow when it comes to computers.' Avoid in formal writing.

• Spanish: no sabe ni dónde tiene la cabeza - no sabe nada
• Portuguese (BR): não sabe nada - não entende nada
• Portuguese (PT): não percebe nada - não faz ideia de nada
• Chinese (Simplified): 一窍不通 - 什么都不懂
• Chinese (Traditional): 一竅不通 - 什麼都不懂
• Hindi: कुछ भी नहीं जानता - कुछ समझ नहीं आता
• Arabic: لا يعرف شيئًا على الإطلاق - لا يفهم شيئًا
• Bengali: কিছুই জানে না - কিছুই বোঝে না
• Russian: ничего не смыслит - ничего не понимает
• Japanese: 何も分かっていない - まったく無知である
• Vietnamese: không biết gì cả - dốt đặc
• Korean: 아무것도 모른다 - 전혀 모른다
• Turkish: hiçbir şey bilmiyor - hiçbir şey anlamıyor
• Urdu: کچھ نہیں جانتا - کچھ بھی پتا نہیں
• Indonesian: sama sekali tidak tahu - benar-benar bodoh

Example Sentences

He doesn't know his ass from his elbow when it comes to cooking.

basic

My boss doesn't know his ass from his elbow about computers.

basic

She doesn't know her ass from her elbow in math class.

basic

Honestly, he doesn't know his ass from his elbow when fixing cars, so don't ask him for help.

natural

I tried to explain it, but she doesn't know her ass from her elbow on this topic.

natural

You can tell he doesn't know his ass from his elbow just by the way he answers questions.

natural