know (something) forwards and backwards

know (something) forwards and backwards

To be extremely familiar with a particular subject, field, or piece of writing, film, music, etc. Primarily heard in US. I've read this book so many times, I know it forwards and backwards. You should ask Samantha about the issue—she knows car engines forwards and backwards.

See also: and, backward, forwards, know

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

know something backwards and forwards and know something forwards and backwards

Fig. to know something very well; to know a passage of language so well that one could recite it backwards as well as forwards. Of course I've memorized my speech. I know it backwards and forwards.

See also: and, backward, forwards, know

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.