ENGLISH
REFERENCE

know one's ass from a hole in the ground

idiom
Meaning

To have an adequate level of knowledge or skill; to understand what one is doing or talking about.


Examples
SIMPLE

He does not know his ass from a hole in the ground.

CONTEXTUAL

The new manager is clearly unqualified because he does not know his ass from a hole in the ground regarding our software.

COMPLEX

Despite his confident tone, it quickly became apparent that the consultant did not know his ass from a hole in the ground when faced with the actual technical data.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace in the hole

    Synonym of ace up one's sleeve.

  3. 03

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  4. 04

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  5. 05

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  6. 06

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  8. 08

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

Last updated July 12, 2026