not know (one) from a can of paint

To not know who one is just by looking at them; to have never met one before. Even though Jake had worked at the company for nearly 10 years, the boss still didn't know him from a can of paint. I don't blame them for not giving me permission right away. They don't know me from a can of paint.

See also: can, know, not, of, paint

See also:

give (one) (one's) head
give somebody their head
give someone his or her head
give someone his/her head, to
drive (one) out of office
force (one) out of office
force out of office
(something) pays for itself
as one door closes, another (one) opens

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