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Knowledge & Understanding - Expertise

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

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English idioms related to Knowledge & Understanding
to [get] the hang of {sth}

to learn how something works or how to use it

Ex: It took me a few days to get the hang of the new software. 
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to [know] {one's} stuff

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

Ex: You can tell the new mechanic really knows his stuff. 
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[show|teach] {sb} the ropes

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

Ex: On my first day, Carla showed me the ropes. 
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to [know] the ropes

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

Ex: Don't worry, Sam knows the ropes and can handle the shift. 
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to [learn] the ropes

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

Ex: It took her a few weeks to learn the ropes at the new job. 
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old hand
old hand
[noun]

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

Ex: Don't worry about the negotiations; Lisa is an old hand at this. 
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a nose for {sth}

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

Ex: She has a nose for bargains and always finds the best deals. 
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(strong|strongest) suit
strong suit
[phrase]

something that one is exceptionally good at

Ex: Public speaking has never been my strong suit. 
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past master

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

Ex: She's a past master at handling difficult clients. 
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to [turn] {one's} hand to {sth}

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

Ex: After years in finance, she turned her hand to teaching and was excellent at it. 
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to [carry] a tune

to produce correct musical sounds by one's voice

Ex: I love singing, but I can't carry a tune. 
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jack of all trades

a person who is competent in many different tasks

Ex: Leo is a jack of all trades; he can fix cars, build shelves, and design websites. 
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of the first water

(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: She is a pianist of the first water, admired by musicians everywhere. 
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worth {one's} salt

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

Ex: Any lawyer worth her salt would have checked that clause first. 
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to [know] what [is] what

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

Ex: Ask Elena before you sign anything; she knows what is what. 
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to [know] {one's} onions

to have a great deal of information regarding a particular subject

Ex: Ask Priya about the tax rules; she knows her onions. 
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to [keep] {one's} hand in

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

Ex: She still paints on weekends to keep her hand in. 
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tricks of the trade

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

Ex: The senior baker taught me a few tricks of the trade. 
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to [play] by ear

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: She never learned to read music, but she can play almost any song by ear. 
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to [have] Van Gogh's ear for {sth}

to be exceptionally talented and naturally skilled in a particular area

Ex: Maya has Van Gogh's ear for color; every room she decorates looks alive. 
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to [get|have] the basics (down|straight|right)

to have the fundamental knowledge or skills that is required

Ex: Before you try advanced coding, make sure you have the basics down. 
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to [have] a way with {sb/sth}

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

Ex: She has a way with children, even the shy ones. 
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