# know someone from a can of paint

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/know-someone-from-a-can-of-paint
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of know someone from Adam.

## Examples

- I do not know him from a can of paint.
- The man claimed we were old friends, but I honestly did not know him from a can of paint.
- Although the stranger greeted me with great familiarity, I stood there confused, as I did not know him from a can of paint.

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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.