# put two and two together

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-two-and-two-together
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To figure something out; to deduce or discern something.

## Examples

- She saw the wet shoes and put two and two together.
- When he came home late smelling of smoke, his wife put two and two together and asked about the fire.
- The detective noticed the muddy footprints leading away from the window and quickly put two and two together, realizing the thief had escaped on foot.

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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.