want to know: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘want to know’ mean?
The idiom "want to know," often used in question form, expresses a strong desire or curiosity to obtain information or gain knowledge about something.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "you know it" is used to affirm or emphasize one's knowledge or understanding of something. It is often used to express confidence, certainty, or agreement with a statement or question.
The idiom "who wants to know" is used to show indifference or annoyance towards someone who is prying or asking for unnecessary information.
The idiom "who are you telling" is used to acknowledge someone's statement by expressing agreement or understanding of the information they have shared.
"When it comes to" is an idiom often used to introduce a topic or to indicate what someone is knowledgeable/experienced in. It implies the focus of discussion or expertise on a particular subject matter.
The idiom "what's what" means to understand or know the important or essential information about a subject or situation.
The idiom "what's the matter" is used to ask someone what is wrong or bothering them.
The idiom "what's the good of" is used to question the practical value or usefulness of something. It expresses a doubt or skepticism about the benefits or advantages of a particular action or situation.
The idiom "what's the difference" is used to express indifference or to question the importance or significance between two choices or options.
The idiom "what's new" is used as a casual way of asking for the latest or most recent information or updates about someone or something.
Uncover the Overtone
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.
Another related idiom is "find out," which suggests actively seeking and discovering information. It conveys a sense of determination and a willingness to put in the effort to acquire knowledge. This idiom can be used when the answer to a question is not immediately apparent and requires further investigation or research.
Similarly, the idiom "look up" is used to imply searching for information, particularly through reference materials or online sources. It emphasizes the act of seeking out knowledge and encourages the individual to take the initiative to find answers independently. This idiom can be used when a specific piece of information needs to be verified or when the speaker wants to encourage self-directed learning.
Lastly, the idiom "burning question" is used to describe a question or inquiry that is urgent or intensely desired to be answered. This idiom conveys a sense of curiosity and urgency, as if the individual cannot rest until they have obtained the answer. It is often used when the question at hand is of great personal interest or significance.
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.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "want to know" can be used 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.
More "Curiosity" idioms
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