Have a nodding acquaintance with somebody/something

phrase

To have a slight or superficial knowledge of someone or something.

I have a nodding acquaintance with Italian cuisine, but I'm not an expert.

Visual representation of "have a nodding acquaintance with somebody/something" - To have a slight or superficial knowledge of someone or something

Often appears as...

have a nodding acquaintance with science
have a nodding acquaintance with literature

Usage tips

Formal

phrase

To know someone slightly, without being close friends.

He's not a friend, just a nodding acquaintance from work.

Often appears as...

have a nodding acquaintance from work
have a nodding acquaintance from school

Usage tips

Formal

phrase

To have a slight or superficial knowledge of someone or something.

I have a nodding acquaintance with Italian cuisine, but I'm not an expert.

Often appears as...

have a nodding acquaintance with science
have a nodding acquaintance with literature

Usage tips

Formal

phrase

To know someone slightly, without being close friends.

He's not a friend, just a nodding acquaintance from work.

Often appears as...

have a nodding acquaintance from work
have a nodding acquaintance from school

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 2

Visual representation of "have a nodding acquaintance with somebody/something"

Pro Tip 1/3

Casual Knowledge

Use it to express a basic understanding of a topic, not in-depth expertise.

I have a nodding acquaintance with quantum physics, mostly from articles online.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not a Pro

Suitable when acknowledging your limitations on a subject.

When it comes to repairing cars, I only have a nodding acquaintance with the subject.

Pro Tip 3/3

Self-Awareness

Shows you're aware of what you know and don't know.

As a tourist, I only have a nodding acquaintance with the local laws.

Pro Tip 1/3

Casual Knowledge

Use it to express a basic understanding of a topic, not in-depth expertise.

I have a nodding acquaintance with quantum physics, mostly from articles online.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not a Pro

Suitable when acknowledging your limitations on a subject.

When it comes to repairing cars, I only have a nodding acquaintance with the subject.

Pro Tip 3/3

Self-Awareness

Shows you're aware of what you know and don't know.

As a tourist, I only have a nodding acquaintance with the local laws.

Pro Tip 1/3

Casual Knowledge

Use it to express a basic understanding of a topic, not in-depth expertise.

I have a nodding acquaintance with quantum physics, mostly from articles online.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not a Pro

Suitable when acknowledging your limitations on a subject.

When it comes to repairing cars, I only have a nodding acquaintance with the subject.

Pro Tip 3/3

Self-Awareness

Shows you're aware of what you know and don't know.

As a tourist, I only have a nodding acquaintance with the local laws.

Visual representation of the word "Have a nodding acquaintance with somebody/something"

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