know like the back of one's hand
Completely memorized territory
To know something like the back of one's hand is to be thoroughly familiar with it—a place, a subject, a person's habits.
The phrase suggests the kind of intimate knowledge that comes from long experience: I know this neighborhood like the back of my hand.
The image appeals to something we see constantly yet rarely examine closely.
- recallMemory retrieval act
- mappingDiagram of correspondences
- masteryComplete skill or control
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- skillfulnessCompetence from practice
competence · recognition · familiarity · inside out · thoroughness · intuition · adeptness · understanding · recollection · second nature · like clockwork · insight · ingrained · retention · expertise · home turf · orientation · layout