Phrase guide

know which end is up

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 possess sound judgment or common sense; to have a clear understanding of a situation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He was too stoned to know which end was up.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: know which way is up

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the common marking this end up on parcels to guide proper transport.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: vide hvilken vej der vender op — understanding in a specific situation
  • Finnish: olla kärryillä — understanding in a specific situation
  • Finnish: olla pihalla — understanding in a specific situation
  • Polish: znać się na rzeczy — understanding in a specific situation
  • Russian: понима́ть, что к чему́ (ponimátʹ, što k čemú) — understanding in a specific situation