nodding acquaintance
A 'nodding acquaintance' describes a superficial or limited familiarity with someone or something, often just enough to acknowledge with a nod.
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Definition
B2Interpersonal Relationships
(idiomatic)A slight familiarity with someone, enough to greet them but not engage in meaningful conversation.
Example
- We only have a nodding acquaintance, so I don't know much about her personal life.
B2General Knowledge
(idiomatic)A limited understanding of a subject or topic.
Example
- He has a nodding acquaintance with basic French but can't hold a conversation.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "nodding acquaintance":