The Village Idiom

want to know

The idiom "want to know," often used in question form, expresses a strong desire or curiosity to obtain information or gain knowledge about something.

Filed under W

In a sentence

  • I want to know what happened last night.
  • If you want to know the truth, I saw him leaving the office with the stolen documents.
  • She asked me if I wanted to know the surprise they had planned for my birthday.

Where it comes from and how it is used

In addition to the idiom "want to know," there are several related idioms that can be used to express curiosity or a desire for information. One such idiom is "who wants to know," which is often used playfully to inquire about the person or source of information. It adds a hint of intrigue and mystery to the question at hand, creating a sense of anticipation for the answer.

By incorporating these related idioms into our vocabulary, we can enhance our ability to express curiosity and a desire for information. The idiom "want to know" serves as a gateway to explore these other idioms, as they all share a common goal of seeking knowledge and understanding.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.