Quantcast
Channel: He knows his onions
Browsing latest articles
Browse All 6 View Live

He knows his onions

Is this said in the US? Why onions, anyway?

View Article



Re: He knows his onions

Yes, it is said. And I'm guessing it's just a grocers' version of "He knows his stuff".As to why onions and not some other veggie...I suppose they are considered particularly hard to distinguish? Not...

View Article

Re: He knows his onions

i heard an ex-brit say someone could "earn his onions," as in his salary, or his keep. is that common?

View Article

Re: He knows his onions

It means "he knows his etymology." After C.T. Onions, the editor of the Oxford Dict. of English Etymology.

View Article

Re: He knows his onions

I have heard it once or twice but it's not very common. We'd say rather earning your keep or earning your bread, or "he makes his dough/dosh".

View Article


Re: He knows his onions

From RHHDAS: synonymous expressions: "To know one's ...":Onions 1922Oil 1925Oats 1925Sweet potatoes 1928Groceries 1928Eggs 1928Hockey [1929] [Lighter implies = "excrement"]Fruit 1932Stuff 1932Apples...

View Article
Browsing latest articles
Browse All 6 View Live




Latest Images