Old enough to know better

usgb
phrase

A person is old enough to understand right from wrong and should not make foolish mistakes.

She is 25, old enough to know better than to behave like a teenager at parties.
Visual representation of "old enough to know better" - A person is old enough to understand right from wrong and should not make foolish mistakes.

Often appears as...

  • she is old enough to know better
  • you're old enough to know better

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "old enough to know better"
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Typical Usage

Used when someone old enough makes a mistake they shouldn't have, often because of immaturity.

Illustration for Typical Usage
He's 30 and started a food fight, definitely old enough to know better.
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Subtle Reproach

Implies disappointment without direct criticism; suggests the person is capable of wiser behavior.

Illustration for Subtle Reproach
After losing her phone again, her mom said she was old enough to know better.
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Expectation of Maturity

Reflects the expectation that age brings wisdom and fewer mistakes, especially obvious or silly ones.

Illustration for Expectation of Maturity
Leaving your homework until the last minute? You're old enough to know better.
Visual representation of the word "Old enough to know better"

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