Be not to know

phrase

To have no knowledge or understanding about something.

I wasn't at the meeting, so I am not to know what was said.
Visual representation of "be not to know" - To have no knowledge or understanding about something.

Often appears as...

  • he is not to know
  • they are not to know
phrase

To be unaware of something that is supposed to be kept as a secret.

Please keep this information confidential, she is not to know about this surprise.
Visual representation of "be not to know" - To be unaware of something that is supposed to be kept as a secret.

Often appears as...

  • they are not to know
  • he is not to know

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

To have no knowledge or understanding about something.

I wasn't at the meeting, so I am not to know what was said.
Visual representation of "be not to know" - To have no knowledge or understanding about something.

Often appears as...

  • he is not to know
  • they are not to know
phrase

To be unaware of something that is supposed to be kept as a secret.

Please keep this information confidential, she is not to know about this surprise.
Visual representation of "be not to know" - To be unaware of something that is supposed to be kept as a secret.

Often appears as...

  • they are not to know
  • he is not to know

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "be not to know"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Ignorance Innocence

Indicates innocence due to a lack of information.

Illustration for Ignorance Innocence
He broke the vase but I'm not to know, as I wasn't there.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Blame

Used to express that you can't be blamed for something you were unaware of.

Illustration for Avoiding Blame
I am not to know the rules if they were never explained to me.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Expected

Stresses that it was not reasonable to expect the person to have the information.

Illustration for Not Expected
As an outsider, I am not to know the family's traditions.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Ignorance Innocence

Indicates innocence due to a lack of information.

Illustration for Ignorance Innocence
He broke the vase but I'm not to know, as I wasn't there.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Blame

Used to express that you can't be blamed for something you were unaware of.

Illustration for Avoiding Blame
I am not to know the rules if they were never explained to me.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Expected

Stresses that it was not reasonable to expect the person to have the information.

Illustration for Not Expected
As an outsider, I am not to know the family's traditions.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Ignorance Innocence

Indicates innocence due to a lack of information.

Illustration for Ignorance Innocence
He broke the vase but I'm not to know, as I wasn't there.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Blame

Used to express that you can't be blamed for something you were unaware of.

Illustration for Avoiding Blame
I am not to know the rules if they were never explained to me.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Expected

Stresses that it was not reasonable to expect the person to have the information.

Illustration for Not Expected
As an outsider, I am not to know the family's traditions.
Visual representation of the word "Be not to know"

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