not know the meaning of the word

not know the meaning of the word

To be completely without the particular quality, trait, or characteristic that is being described. Integrity? Ha! John doesn't know the meaning of the word! Oh please, Janet, you don't know the meaning of the word "poor."

See also: know, meaning, not, of, word

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

not know the meaning of the word

If you mention a word and say that someone doesn't know the meaning of the word, you mean that they do not have a particular quality or have never done or experienced a particular thing. Love? He doesn't know the meaning of the word! Ruthie was an optimist; she didn't even know the meaning of the word depression. Note: Nouns such as phrase and term are sometimes used instead of word. Patrick doesn't know the meaning of the phrase `speed limit'.

See also: know, meaning, not, of, word

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

not know the meaning of the word

behave as if unaware of the concept referred to or implied. informal

See also: know, meaning, not, of, word

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

not know the ˈmeaning of the word

(disapproving) not have enough experience of something to understand what it really is; not be capable of really understanding something: Love? He doesn’t know the meaning of the word. ♢ They talk about justice, but they don’t know the meaning of the word.

See also: know, meaning, not, of, word

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017