Been around

Meaning

The idiom "been around" means to have experienced or been through something before, or to have seen or witnessed something many times. It can also mean having a certain amount of knowledge or expertise about a particular topic or situation. The figurative meaning is often used to suggest that someone has a lot of life experience and has learned from their experiences.

Usage

• "He's been around the block a few times, so he knows what he's talking about when it comes to politics."
• "I feel like I've been around this block before - we're going through the same arguments and nothing is getting resolved."
• "She's been in the business for over 10 years, so she has a lot of experience under her belt."
• "Being a teacher isn't easy, but after you've been around the block a few times, you learn how to keep your sanity."
• "He's been around the world a few times, so he has some fascinating stories to tell." The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used positively to suggest that someone is knowledgeable and experienced, or negatively to imply that someone is too old or out of touch with current events or trends.

Roots and History

The idiom "been around" has its roots in the literal meaning of the phrase "a person who has been in the world for a long time." The earliest known use of this idiom was recorded in the early 19th century, with the first appearance in print being in the 1810s. Over time, the figurative meaning of the idiom emerged, and it became associated with someone who had seen or experienced things that others have not.

Synonyms in English

Some synonyms for "been around" include experienced, knowledgeable, seasoned, savvy, and wise.

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Je suis venu du monde" (I am from the world)
• German: "Das Leben hat mir gezeigt" (Life has shown me)
• Spanish: "Hay mucho conocimiento en la experiencia" (There is a lot of knowledge in experience)
• Italian: "Il mondo mi ha dato molti consigli" (The world has given me many advice)
• Russian: "Жизнь меня изучила" (Life taught me)

Similar Idioms

• class act

• brought forward

• break new ground