Meaning of know what side of one's bread is buttered | Babel Free

Definitions

Forma verbal. Verb. [C2]

Examples

“Wal, I see by the papers where Adlai Stevenson came home from his ’round-the-world tour. With all that strife in Europe, and strikes in Paris, he seems to know what side of his bread is buttered.”

“For example, if I hear, “We will start (something somewhat speculative that takes real initiative) next week,” I know what they really mean is that, in a month, I will have the same conversation with them again. Is it that bad? Yes. People aren’t lazy, and they always know what side of their bread is buttered, but there is a prevailing lack of intention or awareness.”

“Ballot access cases are overseen by hearing officers, who generally are smart enough to know what side of their bread is buttered—if you catch my drift.”

CEFR level