Knowledge & Understanding - Expertise

Explore English idioms regarding expertise with examples like "get the hang of" and "tricks of the trade".

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to [get] the hang of {sth} [phrase]

to learn how something works or how to use it

Ex: It 's a bit tricky , but you 'll get the hang of parallel parking with practice .

to [know] {one's} stuff [phrase]

to be very knowledgeable about or skillful in a particular field of work

Ex:

[show|teach] {sb} the ropes [phrase]

to show or teach someone how a particular job or task is done

Ex:

to [know] the ropes [phrase]

to have a good knowledge or understanding about how to do something or how something works

Ex: He 's been working here for years and knows the ropes better than anyone else .

to [learn] the ropes [phrase]

to become acquainted with or knowledgeable about how to do a certain job or task

Ex: He joined the team last month and is still learning the ropes of our project management system .

old hand [noun]

(of a person) having extensive knowledge about or a lot of experience in a particular activity or job

Ex: Our coach is an old hand in the world of professional sports , with multiple championships under his belt .

a nose for {sth} [phrase]

one's ability to find things of a particular type to suit one's needs

Ex:

(strong|strongest) suit [phrase]

something that one is exceptionally good at

Ex: As a chef , his strong suit is creating unique and flavorful dishes that leave diners impressed .

past master [noun]

an expert in a particular field with a great deal of experience

Ex: The artist is a past master in the use of watercolors , creating stunning landscapes .

to [turn] {one's} hand to {sth} [phrase]

to start something, such as an activity, field of study, etc., in an skillful way

Ex:

to [carry] a tune [phrase]

to produce correct musical sounds by one's voive voice

Ex: Unfortunately , I ca n't carry a tune to save my life .

jack of all trades [phrase]

a person who is competent in many different tasks

Ex: Being a jack of all trades can be useful in a small business where employees need to wear many hats .

of the first water [phrase]

(of a person) with exceptional skill or talent in a particular area or field, to the point of being considered an example of excellence

Ex: The engineer 's innovative designs are of the first water , pushing the boundaries of technology .

worth {one's} salt [phrase]

used to describe a competent person who performs their job well and is deserving of respect and the compensation they receive

Ex: In a crisis , a doctor who 's worth their salt remains calm and makes critical decisions under pressure .

to [know] what [is] what [phrase]

to have a clear understanding or knowledge of a situation or matter

Ex:

to [know] {one's} onions [phrase]

to have a great deal of information regarding a particular subject

Ex: In the world of finance , Sarah knows her onions and can provide excellent investment advice .

to [keep] {one's} hand in [phrase]

to practice or engage in an activity only to maintain a skill or ability

Ex: Even though he 's a successful businessman , he continues to play the piano to keep his hand in music .

tricks of the trade [phrase]

a set of techniques that are only shared among members of a particular profession

Ex: There are a few tricks of the trade which will help you when painting a room .

to [play] by ear [phrase]

to have the ability to play music by listening to it and recreating the sounds and melodies without relying on sheet music or written notation

Ex: In improvisational theater , actors often have to play by ear and respond to audience suggestions .

to [have] Van Gogh's ear for {sth} [phrase]

to be exceptionally talented and naturally skilled in a particular area

Ex:

to [get|have] the basics (down|straight|right) [phrase]

to have the fundamental knowledge or skills that is required

Ex: If you ca n't get the basics right , it does n't matter how brilliant your strategy is .

to [have] a way with {sb/sth} [phrase]

to have a natural talent in dealing with a particular type of people or things

Ex: The chef has a way with spices that creates incredibly flavorful dishes .

Knowledge & Understanding
Knowledge	Logic & Wisdom	Awareness or Unawareness	News & Information
Ignorance	Understanding	Lack of Understanding	Absence of Comprehension
Realization	Remembering	Forgetting	Expertise
Inexpertness