know one's ass from a hole in the ground: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  USUKAustraliavulgarslanginformal
  • To be able to distinguish between basic or obvious differences; to possess a minimum level of competence or common sense.
  • Often used in negative constructions to indicate utter ignorance or incompetence (e.g., "doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground").

  Examples

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  • Before we hire anyone for this technical role, we need someone who truly knows their ass from a hole in the ground.

    Before we hire anyone for this technical role, we need someone who truly can distinguish basic or obvious differences and has common sense.

  • You can't expect to manage the project if you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to budgeting.

    You can't expect to manage the project if you don't have a minimum level of competence or common sense regarding budgeting.

  • I trust Jenna's judgment; she definitely knows her ass from a hole in the ground about what this company needs.

    I trust Jenna's judgment; she definitely can distinguish basic or obvious differences and has common sense about what this company needs.