THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Like the back of your hand
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Very thoroughly and in detail, when describing how well you know something.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- After years of walking here, you know this neighbourhood like the back of your hand.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
After years of walking here, you know this neighbourhood ________.
Show the answer
Like the back of your hand — Very thoroughly and in detail, when describing how well you know something.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Like the back of your hand” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Very thoroughly and in detail, when describing how well you know something.
Compare: After years of walking here, you know this neighbourhood like the back of your hand.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal expression with know to describe strong familiarity with a place, route, system or subject. Name what is familiar to you.
More examples in context
- I know the workshop schedule like the back of my hand.
- Our caretaker knows the old building like the back of her hand.
Usage note
The full pattern is know something like the back of your hand. Match the possessive to the subject: I know it like the back of my hand. The comparison means detailed familiarity, not knowledge of anatomy.
A short conversation
A: Do we need a map for the campus?
B: Ask Noor. She knows it like the back of her hand.
A: I will check the quickest route with her.
One more practice question
What does knowing an area like the back of your hand mean?
A. Knowing the area very well and in detail.
B. Having never visited or studied the area.
Check your answer
A. The expression emphasises thorough familiarity.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.