a thing or two
Some varying amount of pertinent information or pointed criticism (about something). Hey, I know a thing or two about art—I was an art history major in college, you know! It was my plan to go in and tell the boss a thing or two about the company's crappy work environment, but when he offered me a huge promotion I didn't exactly feel prepared to have it out with him. I know you're from the countryside and not used to city folk, but I could teach you a thing or two about New Yorkers.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*thing or two (about someone or something)
1. bits of information or criticism about someone or something; a few facts about someone or something. (Typically: find out ~; know ~; learn ~; tell someone ~.) I told Bob a thing or two about cars. I know a thing or two about Mary that would really shock you.
2. a few points of criticism about someone or something. (Typically: tell some-One ~.) I told her a thing or two about her precious little boy! Let me tell you a thing or two about your messy yard!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
thing or two
Quite a lot, as in
You can count on Bob to tell you a thing or two about Iran. This term is nearly always an understatement. [Mid-1800s] Also see under
know all the answers.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.