English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

You know better than that

Meaning

The idiom "you know better than that" is used to express a disbelief or disagreement with someone's actions, behavior, or decision. It implies that the speaker knows more about a situation and believes the other person should have acted differently.

Usage

  • "You can't possibly think that's a good idea, you know better than that." - used to express disbelief in someone's suggestion
  • "She's making such a mess of her life, she knows better than that." - used to criticize someone's actions with a sense of disappointment
  • "You can't be serious, you know better than that." - used to express skepticism about someone's decision
  • "He's been so reckless lately, he knows better than that." - used to warn someone about the consequences of their actions
  • "Don't do that, you know better than that." - used to give advice or caution someone against making a mistake

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. It was first documented in the 1920s as a popular phrase, and its usage has remained relatively consistent over time. The idiom may have evolved from other phrases such as "I know you better than that" or "You should know better by now."

Synonyms in English

  • "That's not right, I know you can do better."
  • "You're being foolish, I know you can make a different choice."
  • "Don't be so reckless, I know you can take a better approach."
  • "That won't work, I know you can come up with a better solution."
  • "You're making a mistake, I know you can do something else instead."

Synonyms in other languages

  • French: "Je sais bien que ça ne marche pas comme ça" (I know well that it doesn't work like that)
  • Spanish: "No puedes ser tan tonto, sé que puedes hacer algo mejor" (You can't be so dumb, I know you can do something better)
  • German: "Du bist so dumm, ich weiß dass du es besser machen kannst" (You're so dumb, I know you can do it better)
  • Italian: "Non puoi fare così, sai che ci sono altre opzioni migliori" (You can't do that like that, you know there are better options)
  • Chinese: "不能做这样，你知道可以做得更好" (It can't be done like that, you know you can do it better)

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