about (redirected from knowing what is about)

About time too!

something that you say when someone tells you about something which has happened, in order to show that you think it should have happened a long time ago. 'They're widening the road outside the school.' 'About time too!'

See also: time

about/around someone's ears

if something falls, or is brought about someone's ears, it suddenly fails completely and destroys someone's hopes and plans. His business folded and collapsed about his ears. Her entire world seemed to have come crashing around her ears when he died.

See also: around, ear

about/on your person (formal)

if you have something about your person, you are carrying it with you, often hidden in your clothing. She had a small tape recorder concealed about her person.

See also: person

be up and about/around

if someone is up and about after an illness, they are well enough to get out of bed and move around. Trevor's up and about again, but he won't be able to drive for a few weeks.

See also: around

Tell me about it! (informal)

something that you say in order to show sympathy to someone who has the same problem or bad experience as you. 'I've got so much work to do.' 'Tell me about it!'

See also: tell

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about to

1. almost ready to. One of my friends at work is about to have her second baby.

2. planning to. I was about to tell you a joke, but I won't because it's not really very funny.

not about to

not willing to. Alice was not about to stand around and watch while Jim and Nan argued.

tell me about it

I have had the same experience. “I love my sister, but she can be a real bother sometimes.” “Oh, tell me about it.”

Usage notes: said in reaction to someone else's statement, as in the example

See also: tell