know one's stuff

Genuinely skilled here

To know one's stuff is to be competent or expert in a particular area: She really knows her stuff when it comes to contract law.

The phrase emphasizes practical knowledge and skill rather than credentials—someone who knows their stuff can deliver results.

Often used as reassurance or endorsement: Don't worry, the mechanic knows his stuff.

Related

resourcefulness · adeptness · real deal · studying · craftsmanship · troubleshooting · competence · inside out · intelligence · specialization · skillfulness · diligence · veteran · been around the block · learned the hard way · expertise · subject matter expert · authority

Opposites
competence/expertise

know one's stuffflounder

Struggle awkwardly, or seafood

wing it

Family

know, knows, known, knowing, knowingly, unknown, knowledge, knowledgeable, ones

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G