know someone from Adam: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "to know someone from a can of paint" is another expression commonly used in the English language. This phrase means to have absolutely no knowledge or understanding of someone. It conveys a sense of complete unfamiliarity and ignorance about the person being discussed.

In comparison to the phrase "to know someone from Adam," which emphasizes the lack of recognition or connection with a person, "to know someone from a can of paint" takes it a step further by highlighting the complete absence of any knowledge or understanding.

The origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but it is likely derived from the fact that a can of paint is an inanimate object that has no capability of knowing or recognizing someone. Therefore, if one were to say that they don't know someone from a can of paint, they are emphasizing their complete lack of familiarity or recognition.

The phrase "to know from a bar of soap" is yet another idiom that is related to the concept of familiarity or recognition. Similar to "to know someone from Adam" and "to know someone from a can of paint," this expression signifies a complete lack of knowledge or understanding.

When someone says that they don't know something from a bar of soap, they are indicating that they have absolutely no knowledge or understanding of the thing being discussed. This idiom emphasizes the extent of unfamiliarity and ignorance, comparing the unknown concept to an everyday object such as a bar of soap.

Now, let's talk about the general phrase "to know someone." This is a common expression that is used to convey a level of familiarity or understanding with another person. When someone says that they know someone, it implies that they have at least some level of knowledge or recognition of the person being discussed.

Compared to the previous idioms we have discussed, "to know someone" suggests a positive connection or familiarity, as opposed to a lack of recognition or understanding. However, it is important to note that the depth of knowledge or understanding can vary greatly. Someone may claim to know someone, but their level of familiarity may be limited.

Finally, we come to the idiom "to know one's ass from a hole in the ground." This is a more colorful expression that signifies a complete lack of knowledge or understanding. It emphasizes a sense of ignorance or incompetence in a particular subject or area.

When someone says that another person doesn't know their ass from a hole in the ground, they are essentially saying that the person has absolutely no understanding or knowledge in the given context. This idiom is often used to emphasize someone's lack of proficiency or expertise in a specific area.

Overall, these idioms - "to know someone from Adam," "to know someone from a can of paint," "to know from a bar of soap," "to know someone," and "to know one's ass from a hole in the ground" - all revolve around the concept of familiarity, recognition, and understanding. They highlight varying degrees of knowledge, ranging from complete ignorance to some level of familiarity. These idioms serve as colorful expressions that add depth and nuance to the English language.