Knowledge: English Vocabulary List

used to refer to the practice of providing information only to those who absolutely require that specific information to perform their tasks or duties effectively

"I only tell you things on a need-to-know basis."

"The government shares secret information on a need to know basis with only a few officials."

used to indicate one's complete knowledge or understanding of something

"I know this subject back to front."

"After years of studying, she understood the complex scientific principles back to front."

to be well-informed about or completely familiar with something

"I know this town like the back of my hand."

"I have lived in this city for thirty years so I know it like the back of my hand."

to have very good knowledge or understanding about someone or something

"She knows this town inside out."

"The tour guide knows the old city inside out and can show you all the hidden gems."

to have easy, immediate access to something, often information or resources

"She has facts at fingertips."

"With her extensive research skills, the historian had all the necessary primary sources at her fingertips."

to know something so perfectly that one can do it at anytime without having to focus or think

"She knows it down pat."

"He had the recipe down pat, so he cooked dinner perfectly every night."

a complete set of facts or details about how something is done or how it works

"He knows all the ins and outs of the system."

"After working here for ten years she knows all the ins and outs of the company."

to take advantage of the understanding and discoveries of influential figures who have been through the same or similar intellectual progress

"We stand on the shoulders of giants."

"The young scientist acknowledged that he stood on the shoulders of giants who came before him."

some pieces of information or knowledge that may be useful or relevant at a later time

"He can teach you a thing or two."

"The experienced mechanic can teach you a thing or two about fixing old cars."

to be well-informed about a particular situation, to the point where one is able to determine the outcome

"He knows the score about office politics."

"The experienced politician knows the score and understands how to negotiate difficult situations."

the knowledge or experience that is crucial for one to survive or succeed in urban environments

"He has street smarts from growing up in the city."

"He has street smarts from growing up in the city and knows how to handle dangerous situations."

in a state of being informed and knowledgeable about a particular topic or situation

"Get up to speed."

"Before the meeting, please read these documents to get up to speed on the latest market trends."