know better

know better

To be aware or capable of better or smarter behavior than one has demonstrated. You know better than to talk to strangers! What were you thinking? You know better than to try to question that professor—he doesn't care what we have to say.

See also: better, know

know better (than to do something)

to be wise enough, experienced enough, or well trained enough not to have done something wrong. Mary should have known better than to accept a lift from a stranger. Children should know better than to play in the road.

See also: better, know

know better

Be able to recognize something as wrong or not possible, as in Mary should know better than to leave her child alone in the house, or Try to get in without a ticket? You know better than that. [c. 1700]

See also: better, know

know better than

be wise, well-informed, or well-mannered enough to avoid doing something specified.

1989 Anne Fine Goggle-Eyes Inspector McGee knows better than to tangle with Beth's granny.

See also: better, know

know ˈbetter (than that/than to do something)

be sensible enough not to do something: You left the car unlocked? I thought you’d know better. ♢ He knows better than to judge by appearances.

See also: better, know