What does the idiom "like the back of one's hand" mean?
Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. like the back of one's hand meaning, in what situations is it used?
Meaning of "like the back of one's hand"
Meaning
The phrase “like the back of one’s hand” is an idiomatic expression used to denote something that a person is very familiar with. It suggests a level of knowledge and understanding that is deep and comprehensive, and could even be called intimate. This is a phrase that can be used to talk about physical places, as well as more abstract concepts, such as the ins and outs of a particular activity or profession.
Etymology
The expression “like the back of one’s hand” is believed to have originated in England in the late 16th or early 17th century. The phrase is thought to have been derived from the proverb “to know one’s way about as if one had the palms of their hands on the wall.” This proverb referred to the idea of navigation; for example, it was common for people to navigate through a building by feeling the walls with the palms of their hand, as if they knew the layout of the building like the back of their hand. Over time, the phrase was shortened to “like the back of one’s hand.”
Usage
This expression is frequently used in informal contexts and is most commonly heard in everyday conversation. It can be used to emphasize the level of knowledge and familiarity a person has with a subject, particularly when a situation or location needs no additional explanation. Additionally, this expression can be used to show that a person has a lot of experience or in-depth knowledge of something.
Example Sentences
- My grandfather knows this town like the back of his hand - he's lived here most of his life.
- I'm an electrician, and I know my way around wiring like the back of my hand.
- After working at the restaurant for five years, I know the menu like the back of my hand.
The power of idioms transcends languages!
"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.
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