Meaning of what's what | Babel Free

Definitions

Precisely what the situation really is or what the facts truly are; the true state of things.

idiomatic, uncountable

Examples

“Besides, he had some qualities which fix⟳ Middle-aged ladies even more than young: The former know⟳ what's what; while new-fledged chicks Know⟳ little more of Love⟳ than what is sung In rhymes . . .”

“"Well, I know⟳ what's what, too. I know⟳ what you are for one thing." He chuckled. "I've got your number⟳ all right."”

“Anyway, he's a wise old bird and may hand you a pointer or two about what's what in New York.”

“This was a hardship in as much as inquiry showed that even in vegetarian restaurants many courses used to contain⟳ eggs. This meant that unless I knew what was what, I had to go through the awkward process⟳ of ascertaining whether a particular course contained eggs or no, for many puddings and cakes were not free from them.”

“Sometimes it takes a scruffy underdog to show⟳ the professionals what's what. During the London riots, it was tiny Birmingham broadcaster Sangat TV that trumped the BBC and CNN with its riveting footage and quirky commentary.”

CEFR level