Know what is what Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈnoʊ/ /ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈhwət/, /ˈwət

NOH WUHT-iz WUHT

UK

nˈəʊ/ /wˈɒt/ /ˈɪz/ /wˈɒt

NUH-oh wOT IZ wOT

Definition

To be able to understand what is truly important or to recognize the true nature of people or things; to not be easily fooled.

Usage & Nuances

Often informal, sometimes used to suggest someone is experienced and not naïve. Common with phrases like 'He really knows what is what.' Implies practical wisdom, not just book knowledge.

• Spanish: saber quién es quién - saber lo que es importante
• Portuguese (BR): saber o que é o que - saber quem é quem
• Portuguese (PT): saber o que é o que - saber quem é quem
• Chinese (Simplified): 分得清楚 - 明白事理
• Chinese (Traditional): 分得清楚 - 明白事理
• Hindi: किसी चीज़ की अच्छी समझ होना - असली-नकली पहचानना
• Arabic: يعرف ما هو المهم - يميز الأمور بشكل صحيح
• Bengali: কীটা কী বোঝা - বাস্তবতা জানা
• Russian: разбираться что к чему - знать, что есть что
• Japanese: 何が何か分かっている - 本質を見抜いている
• Vietnamese: biết rõ mọi chuyện - biết đâu là đâu
• Korean: 뭐가 뭔지 알다 - 진짜를 알아보다
• Turkish: ne nedir bilmek - işin aslını bilmek
• Urdu: اصل حقیقت جاننا - معاملات کو بخوبی سمجھنا
• Indonesian: tahu mana yang penting - tahu apa yang sebenarnya

Example Sentences

After years in business, she knows what is what.

basic

You must know what is what before making a decision.

basic

He doesn't know what is what yet—he's new here.

basic

Don't worry, I know what is what around here.

natural

She pretends to be an expert, but she doesn't really know what is what.

natural

After getting burned once, he learned to know what is what.

natural