know a hawk from a handsaw
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Definisi & Makna dari "know a hawk from a handsaw

to know a hawk from a handsaw
01

to be able to show or recognize a difference between two individuals or things

to [know] a hawk from a handsaw definition and meaning
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

What is the origin of the idiom "know a hawk from a handsaw" and when to use it?

The idiom "know a hawk from a handsaw" comes from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." In the play, Hamlet uses this phrase to express his doubt and frustration about being able to tell things apart or make accurate judgments. The phrase asks if it is possible to distinguish between similar objects, like a hawk and a handsaw. It's not clear where the phrase came from before Shakespeare used it, but it has become well-known and still used today frequently. It is often employed when discussing situations where distinguishing between similar or seemingly identical things is challenging or confusing. It is often employed when discussing situations where distinguishing between similar or seemingly identical things is challenging or confusing.

example
Example
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She ca n't even tell a hawk from a handsaw, so I would n't trust her to make important decisions.
It's like he does n't know a hawk from a handsaw when it comes to choosing the right investments.
I asked him to identify the different bird species, but he looked at them all the same.
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