# know the drill

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/know-the-drill
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- We know the drill, so let's start the meeting.
- Since we have done this safety training every year, we all know the drill by now.
- The veteran staff members moved with practiced efficiency through the emergency procedure, as they knew the drill better than anyone else in the building.

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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.