Know somebody/something backwards
phrase
To know extremely well.
I've been doing this job for 20 years. I know it backwards.
Often appears as...
- know the subject backwards
- know the area backwards
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To understand someone's character completely.
I've known him for years. I know him backwards.
Often appears as...
- know him/her backwards
- know a person backwards
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To know extremely well.
I've been doing this job for 20 years. I know it backwards.
Often appears as...
- know the subject backwards
- know the area backwards
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To understand someone's character completely.
I've known him for years. I know him backwards.
Often appears as...
- know him/her backwards
- know a person backwards
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
This phrase is casual and used more in spoken than written English, often in familiar or informal situations.
Ask Jerry about car engines, he knows them backwards.
Pro Tip 2/3Expert Knowledge
The phrase suggests a deep, thorough understanding, usually from experience or long-term involvement.
She can fix any bug; she knows the code backwards.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a figurative expression, meaning there is no actual 'backwards' knowledge involved.
You won't stump him on history questions; he knows it backwards.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
This phrase is casual and used more in spoken than written English, often in familiar or informal situations.
Ask Jerry about car engines, he knows them backwards.
Pro Tip 2/3Expert Knowledge
The phrase suggests a deep, thorough understanding, usually from experience or long-term involvement.
She can fix any bug; she knows the code backwards.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a figurative expression, meaning there is no actual 'backwards' knowledge involved.
You won't stump him on history questions; he knows it backwards.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
This phrase is casual and used more in spoken than written English, often in familiar or informal situations.
Ask Jerry about car engines, he knows them backwards.
Pro Tip 2/3Expert Knowledge
The phrase suggests a deep, thorough understanding, usually from experience or long-term involvement.
She can fix any bug; she knows the code backwards.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a figurative expression, meaning there is no actual 'backwards' knowledge involved.
You won't stump him on history questions; he knows it backwards.
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