born (redirected from don't know is born)

be born with a silver spoon in your mouth

to be the son or daughter of a very rich family. His complete lack of concern about money is natural of someone who was born with a silver spoon in their mouth.

See also: mouth, silver, spoon

born and bred

if you were born and bred in a place, you were born and grew up in that place and have the typical character of someone who lives there. She was born and bred in Jamaica but now lives in France. (often + in) He's a Londoner born and bred.

I've never [felt/heard/seen etc.] something in all my (born) days! (old-fashioned)

something that you say when you are shocked or very surprised by something. There were two men kissing in the street. I've never seen anything like it in all my born days!

See also: all, days, felt, hear, never, seen

I/he/she wasn't born yesterday!

something that you say in order to tell someone that a person is not stupid and cannot be easily deceived. You'd better think of a better excuse about the dent in my car. I wasn't born yesterday, you know! You can't expect your mother to believe that - she wasn't born yesterday!

See also: she, wasn't

natural-born (informal)

having the qualities and abilities which you need in order to be good at doing a particular thing. Carl was a natural-born salesman, and quickly expanded the company's world-wide sales. (always before noun)

There's one born every minute. (humorous)

something that you say about someone who you think has been very stupid. 'He left a window open and then wondered why he'd been burgled!' 'There's one born every minute, isn't there?'

See also: every, minute

(as) to the manner born (slightly formal)

if you behave to the manner born, you behave confidently, as if a particular situation is usual and familiar for you. Although he never lost his lower-class accent, he lived the life of a rich and successful businessman as to the manner born.

See also: manner

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born to do something

to have the natural ability to do something. This sweet-voiced artist was born to sing.

in your blood

born to be something

to strongly show a quality in your behavior. Ellen was born to be organized.

born with a silver spoon in your mouth

to have opportunities that you did not earn but that you have from the influence of your family. Bill was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth – he came from a poor family and earned his success through hard work.

Etymology: from the idea that silver spoons were given at birth to wealthy children

See also: mouth, silver, spoon