know someone: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "know someone from Adam" is often used in conjunction with the phrase "know someone." While the meaning of "know someone" refers to a level of familiarity or acquaintance with another person, "know someone from Adam" emphasizes the lack of knowledge or familiarity. It suggests that the person being referred to is completely unknown and unfamiliar, as if the speaker has no knowledge of them whatsoever. This idiom is used to emphasize the speaker's lack of awareness or understanding of the individual in question.

As an example, imagine a situation where someone asks if you know a particular person. If you have never heard of that person before, you might respond by saying, "I don't know them from Adam." This phrase emphasizes that you have absolutely no knowledge or familiarity with the person being mentioned. It conveys a sense of distance or detachment, highlighting the speaker's lack of connection to the individual in question.

The idiom "as you know" is another phrase that can be related to "know someone." While "know someone" refers to the level of personal connection or familiarity with another person, "as you know" emphasizes the shared knowledge or understanding between the speaker and the listener. It is used to assume that the listener is already aware of the information being discussed. This phrase is commonly used in conversation or writing to acknowledge the listener's existing knowledge on a particular topic.

For example, imagine a scenario where two colleagues are discussing a project. One colleague might say, "As you know, we need to submit the report by the end of the week." By using the phrase "as you know," the speaker is assuming that the listener is already aware of the deadline for the report. It establishes a shared understanding between both parties and allows for a more direct and concise conversation.

Lastly, the idiom "know someone in the biblical sense" is a more euphemistic phrase that can be related to "know someone." While "know someone" generally refers to a level of acquaintance or familiarity with another person, "know someone in the biblical sense" has a more intimate connotation. This phrase is often used figuratively to imply a sexual or romantic relationship with someone. It draws upon the biblical notion of "knowing" someone as a euphemism for sexual intimacy.

For example, if someone were to say, "They are more than just acquaintances, they know each other in the biblical sense," it suggests that the two individuals have a deep, intimate relationship. This phrase is often used humorously or in a lighthearted manner to allude to a romantic or sexual connection between two people.

The idiom "know someone" is a commonly used phrase in the English language, indicating a person's familiarity or acquaintance with someone else. It can be used in various contexts and can have both literal and figurative implications. Additionally, the related idioms "know someone from Adam," "as you know," and "know someone in the biblical sense" add further nuances to the meaning of "know someone." They emphasize different aspects of familiarity, understanding, and connection in relation to the individuals being discussed. Overall, these idioms serve to enhance and expand upon the concept of knowing someone in the English language.