know (something) by rote
know (something) by rote
To memorize something through repetition, as opposed to acquiring a full or robust comprehension of it. I know the prayers by rote, but I've never really given much thought to what they mean. The exam is designed to test your working knowledge of the material, so you will not pass if you only know it by rote.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.