in the know
Having inside information
To be in the know means to have access to information that most people don't have, especially insider knowledge about a situation, organization, or upcoming event.
Someone in the know possesses privileged information that gives them an advantage or understanding others lack.
Those in the know say the company is about to announce layoffs.
The phrase often implies membership in an exclusive circle where such information circulates.
Superior select group
- VIPNotable, for short
- members-onlyRestricted to enrolled participants
- privilegedHaving special advantages
- selectiveChoosing with care
restricted · clique · gatekept · rarified · in-group · coterie · esoteric · niche
Joined to another
- well-connectedHaving influential contacts
- backstageTheater's hidden area
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
- accessRight to enter
networking · confidant · initiate · grapevine · word-of-mouth · scoop · tipster · source
Given essential information
- updatedMade current or modern
- apprisedGave pertinent information
- notifiedTold of something
- advisedGave guidance to
clued-in · posted · acquainted · versed · familiarized · up-to-date · current · abreast
Meant to stay secret
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- hush-hushHighly confidential matter
- off-the-recordNot for attribution
- privyOutdoor toilet; informed
undisclosed · covert · discreet · unpublished · whispered · unannounced · embargoed · leaked
elite
Superior select group
- VIPNotable, for short
- members-onlyRestricted to enrolled participants
- privilegedHaving special advantages
selective · restricted · clique · gatekept · rarified · in-group · coterie · esoteric · niche · underground
connected
Joined to another
- well-connectedHaving influential contacts
- backstageTheater's hidden area
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
access · networking · confidant · initiate · grapevine · word-of-mouth · scoop · tipster · source · leak
briefed
Given essential information
advised · clued-in · posted · acquainted · versed · familiarized · up-to-date · current · abreast · debriefed
confidential
Meant to stay secret
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- hush-hushHighly confidential matter
- off-the-recordNot for attribution
privy · undisclosed · covert · discreet · unpublished · whispered · unannounced · embargoed · leaked · tip-off
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- awareaware, mindful, attentive, alert, vigilant
- knowledgebook learning, encyclopedia, reference book, dictionary, thesaurus
in the knowclueless
Lacking any understanding
uninformed · in the dark · out of the loop · ignorant · oblivious
in the knowout of the loop
Not kept informed
on the outside · kept in the dark · outsider · excluded · left out
know, knowledge, knowing, unknown, acknowledge, acknowledged, knowingly, knowledgeable, unknowing