Definition & Meaning of "[know] a hawk from a handsaw"

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.