know better

The phrase 'know better' is often used to indicate awareness, wisdom, or superior knowledge in various contexts.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)To be aware that a certain action or belief is incorrect or unwise.

Example

  • He should know better than to lie to his parents.
  • You know better than to touch the hot stove.

B2General

(informal)To have the wisdom or experience to avoid a particular mistake or behavior.

Example

  • She walked home alone at night, even though she knows better.
  • Don't you know better than to skip meals?

B2General

(informal)To possess sufficient knowledge or understanding to make a more informed decision.

Example

  • He always thinks he knows better than everyone else.
  • I thought I knew better, but I was wrong.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "know better":

know aboutsmarten upget wisebe not to knowknow ofwhat do you knowyou knowget to knowgo one better