know backwards

verb

To have very thorough knowledge of.

Similar
know inside and out
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Meanings

verbknow backwards (third-person singular simple present knows backwards, present participle knowing backwards, simple past knew backwards, past participle known backwards)

present singular third person knows backwards · participle present knowing backwards · past knew backwards · participle past known backwards · alternative know backward and forward · alternative know backwards and forwards · alternative know back to front

  1. UKtransitiveTo have very thorough knowledge of.

    Synonyms: know inside and out

Synonyms & antonyms

verbTo have very thorough knowledge of.

Similar
know inside and out
Also see
know inside and out

Origin

Suggesting such familiarity with something that one could recite or list it even in reverse order.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Danish have dyb kundskab
  • have dyb kundskabhave a very thorough knowledge
Polish znać jak własną kieszeń, znać od podszewki
  • znać jak własną kieszeńhave a very thorough knowledge
  • znać od podszewkihave a very thorough knowledge
Cite this entry
APA

know backwards. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/know%20backwards

MLA

“know backwards.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/know%20backwards. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “know backwards,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/know%20backwards.

Source: know backwards on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.