ENGLISH
REFERENCE

who's who

idiom
Meaning

The identities of specific people, understood in terms of such distinguishing characteristics as their backgrounds, prominence, achievements, jobs, etc., as a basis for comparing them and especially as a basis for ranking them within a social group.


Origin

first recorded 19th c.

From Who's Who, the British publication of biographies for the upper class, first published in 1849.

Examples
SIMPLE

Read this guide to learn who is who in the company.

CONTEXTUAL

The new intern studied the company directory for hours to understand who is who before the big meeting.

COMPLEX

After years of working in the industry, she finally understood who is who among the elite group of investors and decision makers.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    anybody who is anybody

    Any person who is well-known or important, especially one who has prominent social standing.

  2. 02

    dog who caught the tire

    One who accomplishes a seemingly impossible feat, but does not know what to do next.

  3. 03

    everybody who is anybody

    All of the people who are well-known or important, especially those who have prominent social standing.

  4. 04

    raise the flag and see who salutes

    To float an idea, (or otherwise do some action) to see what response or controversy (if any) it generates, usually as a preliminary step.

  5. 05

    show who's boss

    To demonstrate oneself to be dominant; to show that one has the upper hand.

  6. 06

    though I say it who should not

    Appended to a statement of self-praise, as a form of modest apology.

  7. 07

    who are you telling

    Used in response to an assertion that one is already fully aware of.

  8. 08

    who shot John

    Long and involved explanation, finger-pointing, or assignment of credit or blame.

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