English Reference
Idiom idiom

know the drill


To be acquainted with the normal process or procedure of a given activity or situation; to be familiar with how something is done.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

We know the drill, so let's start the meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

Since we have done this safety training every year, we all know the drill by now.

COMPLEX

The veteran staff members moved with practiced efficiency through the emergency procedure, as they knew the drill better than anyone else in the building.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  2. 02

    as you know

    as it is already known.

  3. 03

    drill down

    To examine information at another level or in greater detail; especially in a database, to navigate to a more detailed level or record.

  4. 04

    fire drill

    Any pointless, unproductive, useless, or chaotic activity.

  5. 05

    fuck if I know

    I have no idea whatsoever

  6. 06

    fuck knows

    I don't know; nobody knows; it is unclear.

  7. 07

    hell if I know

    Synonym of I don't know.

  8. 08

    I don't know about that

    I am not sure that I agree; expressing doubt or skepticism.

Last updated August 10, 2026