What does… know?
phrase
A question asked to inquire about someone's knowledge or understanding of a certain topic or subjects.
What does she know about cooking?
Often appears as...
- what does she know?
- what does he know?
phrase
A rhetorical question posed to undermine or belittle someone's ability or credentials in a certain subject or matter.
What does he know about running a business? He's never even had a job!
Often appears as...
- what does he know about earning money?
- what does she know about parenting?
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
A question asked to inquire about someone's knowledge or understanding of a certain topic or subjects.
What does she know about cooking?
Often appears as...
- what does she know?
- what does he know?
phrase
A rhetorical question posed to undermine or belittle someone's ability or credentials in a certain subject or matter.
What does he know about running a business? He's never even had a job!
Often appears as...
- what does he know about earning money?
- what does she know about parenting?
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Inquiry Context
Use 'what does... know?' to inquire politely about someone's knowledge on specific subjects.
What does the new manager know about our software?
Pro Tip 2/3Clarifying Expertise
Use the phrase to clarify someone's expertise or familiarity with a topic before seeking advice or opinions.
Before we begin, what does Janet know about marketing analytics?
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be aware that questioning someone's knowledge can be sensitive, so pose the question respectfully.
Can you tell me what does Carlos know about the regional sales trends?
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