# know one's ass from a hole in the ground

idiom · Vulgar

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/know-ones-ass-from-a-hole-in-the-ground
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.