known

if the truth were known

Prov. if people knew how something really was, instead of how it appears to be. If the truth were known, people wouldn't shop at that store. Its owners aren't as honest as they seem. Sam: You're always polite to Fred, but you don't really like him, do you? Alan: Well, no, if the truth were known.

See also: if, truth

knew it was coming and (had) known it was coming

to have expected in advance that something was to happen. I shouldn't act surprised. I knew it was coming. It's his own fault. He should have known it was coming.

See also: coming, was

known fact

something that is generally recognized as a fact. That grass is green is a known fact. It is a known fact that John was in Chicago on the night of the murder.

See also: fact

known quantity

someone whose character, personality, and behavior are recognized and understood. We need not worry about how John will behave. He is a known quantity. Lisa is a known quantity and I am sure she will not surprise us by voting with the opposition.

See also: quantity

man is known by the company he keeps

Prov. A person tends to associate with people who are like him or her. Son, when you go away to school, spend your time with serious people; don't hang around with people who go to parties all the time. A man is known by the company he keeps. If you want to know what kind of person George is, look at his friends. A man is known by the company he keeps.

See also: company, keep, man

tree is known by its fruit

Prov. People judge your character by what you do. (Biblical.) The politician may say she believes in more spending on child care, but the tree is known by its fruit; she hasn't voted for a single measure that would help.

See also: fruit, tree

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let it be known

to inform people about something He let it be known that he was available for the job.

See also: let