know better than to do something

know better than to do something
know better (than to (do something)) 1. to be wise enough to behave in a more responsible or acceptable way.

It was a stupid thing to do, and I thought she knew better.

You know better than to interrupt when someone else is talking.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form not know any better:

Doesn't she know any better than to wear jeans to a place like this?

2. to be wise enough to know that you should not believe someone or something.

The guy who was trying to sell us the car said it was in great condition, but I knew better.


New idioms dictionary. 2014.

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  • know better than to — know better (than to (do something)) 1. to be wise enough to behave in a more responsible or acceptable way. It was a stupid thing to do, and I thought she knew better. You know better than to interrupt when someone else is talking. Usage notes:… …   New idioms dictionary

  • know better (than than to do something) — know better (than that/than to do sth) idiom to be sensible enough not to do sth • He knows better than to judge by appearances. Main entry: ↑knowidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • know better (than that to do something) — know better (than that/than to do sth) idiom to be sensible enough not to do sth • He knows better than to judge by appearances. Main entry: ↑knowidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • know better than — ► know better than be wise enough to avoid doing something. Main Entry: ↑know …   English terms dictionary

  • know better — (than to (do something)) 1. to be wise enough to behave in a more responsible or acceptable way. It was a stupid thing to do, and I thought she knew better. You know better than to interrupt when someone else is talking. Usage notes: sometimes… …   New idioms dictionary

  • know better than — be wise enough to avoid doing something. → know …   English new terms dictionary

  • know better — To be wiser, better instructed (than to do this or that) • • • Main Entry: ↑know * * * know better see ↑know, 1 • • • Main Entry: ↑better know better 1 : to be smart or sensible enough not to do something …   Useful english dictionary

  • know — ► VERB (past knew; past part. known) 1) have knowledge of through observation, inquiry, or information. 2) be absolutely sure of something. 3) be familiar or friendly with. 4) have a good command of (a subject or language). 5) have personal… …   English terms dictionary

  • half a loaf is better than no bread — Similar in sense to something is better than nothing. 1546 J. HEYWOOD Dialogue of Proverbs I. xi. D4v Throwe no gyft agayne at the giuers head, For better is halfe a lofe then no bread. 1636 W. CAMDEN Remains concerning Britain (ed. 5) 297 Halfe… …   Proverbs new dictionary

  • Prevention is better than cure. — British & Australian, American something that you say which means it is better to stop something bad happening than it is to deal with it after it has happened. More advice is needed on how to stay healthy because, as we all know, prevention is… …   New idioms dictionary

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