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Not know your arse from your elbow

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Informal usage

This phrase is very informal and often considered rude or unprofessional.

Illustration for Informal usage
In a casual conversation, someone might laugh and say, 'I don't know my arse from my elbow in the kitchen.'
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UK expression

Predominantly used in the UK, this phrase may not be well understood elsewhere.

Illustration for UK expression
When I studied in the UK, I heard someone use 'doesn't know his arse from his elbow' and had to ask what it meant.
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Emphasizing ignorance

The phrase is used to strongly emphasize a person's lack of knowledge in a specific area.

Illustration for Emphasizing ignorance
He tried to fix the car himself and ended up breaking it more—he clearly doesn't know his arse from his elbow.
Visual representation of the word "Not know your arse from your elbow"

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