who's who
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.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Read this guide to learn who is who in the company.”
“The guest list helps you see who's who at the wedding.”
“The new intern studied the company directory for hours to understand who is who before the big meeting.”
“At the film festival, the local reporters pointed out who's who so the photographers would know which celebrities to follow.”
“The coach spent the first week of practice watching the players to determine who's who in terms of skill and leadership.”
“After years of working in the industry, she finally understood who is who among the elite group of investors and decision makers.”
first recorded 19th c.
The term originates from the 1849 publication of Who’s Who, a British biographical dictionary designed to catalog members of the upper class. The reference transitioned from a specific title of the elite into a general designation for prominent figures.
- 01
anybody who is anybody
Any person who is well-known or important, especially one who has prominent social standing.
- 02
dog who caught the tire
One who accomplishes a seemingly impossible feat, but does not know what to do next.
- 03
everybody who is anybody
All of the people who are well-known or important, especially those who have prominent social standing.
- 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.
- 05
show who's boss
To demonstrate oneself to be dominant; to show that one has the upper hand.
- 06
though I say it who should not
Appended to a statement of self-praise, as a form of modest apology.
- 07
who are you telling
Used in response to an assertion that one is already fully aware of.
- 08
who shot John
Long and involved explanation, finger-pointing, or assignment of credit or blame.
Last updated August 10, 2026