Not know any better
phrase
To be unaware or naive about the proper way to behave in a particular situation.
He is just a boy. He didn't mean to break that, he simply didn't know any better.
Often appears as...
- he didn't know any better
- she didn't know any better
phrase
To be inexperienced or uneducated about something.
He made a foolish investment, but it wasn't his fault — he just didn't know any better.
Often appears as...
- didn't know any better
- didn't know any better than to
phrase
To be unaware or naive about the proper way to behave in a particular situation.
He is just a boy. He didn't mean to break that, he simply didn't know any better.
Often appears as...
- he didn't know any better
- she didn't know any better
phrase
To be inexperienced or uneducated about something.
He made a foolish investment, but it wasn't his fault — he just didn't know any better.
Often appears as...
- didn't know any better
- didn't know any better than to
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Context Clues
Look for context clues that indicate innocence or unfamiliarity with norms.
She walked into the men's room by mistake; she didn't know any better.
Pro Tip 2/3Age Implications
Often used for children or young people who are still learning social rules.
The toddler grabbed the dog's tail—he doesn't know any better.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Ignorance
It implies a lack of knowledge, not the unwillingness to learn or understand.
He interrupted the meeting, not knowing any better about the protocol.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Clues
Look for context clues that indicate innocence or unfamiliarity with norms.
She walked into the men's room by mistake; she didn't know any better.
Pro Tip 2/3Age Implications
Often used for children or young people who are still learning social rules.
The toddler grabbed the dog's tail—he doesn't know any better.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Ignorance
It implies a lack of knowledge, not the unwillingness to learn or understand.
He interrupted the meeting, not knowing any better about the protocol.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Clues
Look for context clues that indicate innocence or unfamiliarity with norms.
She walked into the men's room by mistake; she didn't know any better.
Pro Tip 2/3Age Implications
Often used for children or young people who are still learning social rules.
The toddler grabbed the dog's tail—he doesn't know any better.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Ignorance
It implies a lack of knowledge, not the unwillingness to learn or understand.
He interrupted the meeting, not knowing any better about the protocol.
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