know what’s what, to
Definition: To be cognizant of the full situation; to be familiar with all the facts.
Historical Note: This term may have been coined by Samuel Butler in “Hudibras” (1663): “He knew what’s what, and that’s as high as metaphysic wit can fly.” Dickens’s character Sam Weller in “Pickwick Papers” also expressed a similar sentiment: “‘That ’ere young lady’, replied Sam. ‘She knows wot’s wot, she does.’”
Related Terms and Similar Expressions:
- Get the lay of the land - Understanding the overarching circumstances.
- Have one’s head screwed on straight - Being sensible and in control.
- Be on the ball - Being alert and competent.
- Have the inside track - Having superior knowledge or a favorable position.
- Be in the know - Having special or secret information.
Proverbs:
- “Forewarned is forearmed.” – If you know about something beforehand, you can prepare for it.
- “A stitch in time saves nine.” – Acting early can prevent problems later (understanding the full picture helps you act early).
Humorous Quotes:
- “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.” – Jim Carrey (Emphasizing the importance of awareness from different perspectives)
- “If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of payments.” – Earl Wilson (Highlighting the sudden awareness financial situations can create)
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, Movies:
- Sherlock Holmes novels by Arthur Conan Doyle (Books) – Sherlock always knows what’s what.
- 1984 by George Orwell (Book) – Knowing what’s really going on in a dystopian world.
- Inception (Movie) – Understanding different layers of reality.
- Clue (Movie) – Putting together clues to understand the full story.
- “Come Together” by The Beatles (Song) – Bringing the pieces together to form a complete understanding.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
In a world that thrives on half-truths and misconceptions, be the person who knows what’s really going on. Master the art of awareness and let it guide you to a life of insightful actions and wise deliberations.
### Who first coined the phrase 'Know what's what'?
- [ ] Charles Dickens
- [ ] Arthur Conan Doyle
- [ ] Earl Wilson
- [x] Samuel Butler
> **Explanation:** Samuel Butler is thought to have coined this term in his 1663 work, "Hudibras."
### Which character from Dickens’ "Pickwick Papers" recognized someone who 'Knows what’s what'?
- [ ] Oliver Twist
- [ ] David Copperfield
- [x] Sam Weller
- [ ] Nicholas Nickleby
> **Explanation:** Sam Weller is the character who used this phrase in Dickens' "Pickwick Papers."
### What does 'Get the lay of the land' imply?
- [ ] Measure ground for farming
- [x] Understand the overall situation
- [ ] Plan a trip
- [ ] Know the weather forecast
> **Explanation:** 'Get the lay of the land' means to understand the overarching circumstances or the full situation.
### True or False: To 'Have one's head screwed on straight' means to be irrational and disoriented.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This idiom means to be sensible and in control.
### Which of the following is synonymous with 'know what’s what'?
- [x] Be in the know
- [ ] Drop the ball
- [ ] Fly on the wall
- [ ] Shoot from the hip
> **Explanation:** 'Be in the know' is synonymous as it means to have special or inside information.
