# none the wiser

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/none-the-wiser
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Not at all aware of something that has happened; oblivious to an incident or occurrence.

## Examples

- I hid the broken vase, and he is none the wiser.
- You can wear a wig and your coworkers will be none the wiser.
- I use a different email address so my bank is none the wiser.
- She changed the settings on his computer, but he remained none the wiser about who had done it.
- The chef replaced the expensive butter with a cheaper brand, but the customers at the restaurant were none the wiser during dinner.
- We organized a secret party in the office breakroom, and our manager walked right past the door none the wiser.
- Despite the subtle alterations made to the official report, the committee members remained none the wiser regarding the true source of the data.

## Origin

Derived from the combination of the adverb *none* and the adjective *wise* to indicate a lack of increased understanding. Its structure follows the established English pattern of using *none the* before a comparative adjective to denote a failure to achieve a state of greater knowledge.

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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.