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08-Nov-2008, 10:23
| | Newbie | | Join Date: Feb 2007 Country: Egypt
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| |  searching for an idiom or an expression
Hi.Plz I'm searching for an idiom or an expression that expresses this meaning:
someone who can do anything you asked him for and who knows many things. For example: if u wanna rent a car, he can tell you where to go. If you wanna buy anything, he can tell you its price and where to go to buy it. Is there any expression or idiom like that? |
08-Nov-2008, 12:57
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| |  Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
I suggest:
He is a know-all/know-it-all. |
08-Nov-2008, 13:08
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| | Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
a 'know-it-all' is a person who behaves/talks/carries on as if they know everything about everything. It is a scornful, mocking, derogatory label. |
08-Nov-2008, 13:28
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| | Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
Yes, but I thought the poster actually meant this. |
08-Nov-2008, 13:34
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| | Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
someone who can do anything you asked him for and who knows many things..
A know-it-all doesn't wait to be asked - he takes every opportunity to inflict his opinions, comments, observations, snippets of knowledge and misinformation on others.
The kind of person referred to is a mine of information - but about all areas. "Mine of information' tends to mean about a particular subject area.
You know how airports, train stations, large department stores have an Information Booth, or Information Counter?
Well, a possible term then is that 'he/she is a walking, talking Information Booth'.
Last edited by David L.; 08-Nov-2008 at 13:41.
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09-Nov-2008, 01:24
| | Member | | Join Date: Oct 2008 Country: United States
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| | Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
Another possible expression for this type of person is a 'go-to guy' (or 'gal' if it's a woman). This expression means (roughly): If I have something that needs doing, or a question or concern, this is the person who can be always be relied on to get the job done/know what to do/etc.
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09-Nov-2008, 01:53
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| | Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
Quote:
Originally Posted by David L.  a 'know-it-all' is a person who behaves/talks/carries on as if they know everything about everything. It is a scornful, mocking, derogatory label. | I just realized that 'mr. know-it-all' can not be used broadly but to be scornful.
Can I say 'mr. know-it-all' with a positive meaning just like kidding your friends? |
09-Nov-2008, 05:13
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| | Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
No - it is always negative. You may say it jokingly to 'rib'(=tease good-naturedly) a friend, but the implication is that he is showing off. | | The Following User Says Thank You to David L. For This Useful Post: | |
09-Nov-2008, 09:51
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| | Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
Quote:
Originally Posted by whisper_1985 Hi.Plz I'm searching for an idiom or an expression that expresses this meaning:
someone who can do anything you asked him for and who knows many things. For example: if u wanna rent a car, he can tell you where to go. If you wanna buy anything, he can tell you its price and where to go to buy it. Is there any expression or idiom like that? | Hi Whisper_1985:
Here's an idiom - "know the ropes" or "show the ropes". Quote: know the ropes Be informed about the details of a situation or task.
| More information about the idiom, please click the URL link. know the ropes definition | Dictionary.com |
09-Nov-2008, 18:52
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| | Re: searching for an idiom or an expression
Quote:
Originally Posted by pyoung thedaffodils, to know the ropes, as far as I know means something different. This is like a person who knows very well what he is talking about | Quote:
If you show someone the ropes, you explain to someone new how things work and how to do a job.
| I do still think this is more or less what I said. Can somebody explain?
Last edited by heidita; 10-Nov-2008 at 12:35.
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