thing or two

a thing or two

Some varying amount of pertinent information or pointed criticism (about something). Hey, I know a thing or two about art—I was an art history major in college, you know! It was my plan to go in and tell the boss a thing or two about the company's crappy work environment, but when he offered me a huge promotion I didn't exactly feel prepared to have it out with him.

See also: thing, two

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*thing or two (about someone or something)

 

1. bits of information or criticism about someone or something; a few facts about someone or something. (Typically: find out ~; know ~; learn ~; tell someone ~.) I told Bob a thing or two about cars. I know a thing or two about Mary that would really shock you.

2. a few points of criticism about someone or something. (Typically: tell some-One ~.) I told her a thing or two about her precious little boy! Let me tell you a thing or two about your messy yard!

See also: thing, two

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

thing or two

Quite a lot, as in You can count on Bob to tell you a thing or two about Iran. This term is nearly always an understatement. [Mid-1800s] Also see under know all the answers.

See also: thing, two

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.