Phrase guide

know what is what

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To understand the current situation; to know what is going on.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He seems to have no trouble understanding stuff that, to me, sounds like hot garbage. He really does know what's what.
  • She said she was going to house to study French, but I wasn't born yesterday. I know what's what.
  • Everything is changing so fast... I just don't know what's what anymore!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: know what's o'clock

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: weten hoe laat het is — Translations
  • Finnish: tietää mikä on mitäkin — Translations
  • Italian: sapere il fatto proprio — Translations
  • Polish: wiedzieć, co jest pięć — Translations