Put two and two together

usgb
phrase

To infer something from the information or clues given.

When she saw her boyfriend with another girl at the movie, she quickly put two and two together.
Visual representation of "put two and two together" - To infer something from the information or clues given

Often appears as...

  • clever enough to put two and two together
  • can't put two and two together

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "put two and two together"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Detective Mindset

Think like a detective figuring out a mystery using hints.

Illustration for Detective Mindset
With the door unlocked and the lights on, she put two and two together that someone was inside.
LampPro Tip 2/3

No Direct Proof

Use the phrase when you're making a guess based on indirect evidence.

Illustration for No Direct Proof
He didn't tell me he got the job, but seeing his new suit, I put two and two together.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Contexts

The phrase is casual, so it's not usually used in formal writing.

Illustration for Informal Contexts
When they giggled every time he passed by, we put two and two together.
Visual representation of the word "Put two and two together"

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