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a thing or two
01
some pieces of information or knowledge that may be useful or relevant at a later time
What is the origin of the idiom "a thing or two" and when to use it?
The idiom "a thing or two" can be traced back to the English language in the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the expression "to know a thing or two," which means to have acquired knowledge or expertise in a particular area. This phrase is used when someone wants to convey that they have some understanding or expertise in a given matter, often implying that they are not completely ignorant or inexperienced.
Example
She knows a thing or two about gardening, so ask her for advice on planting flowers.
Having traveled extensively, she's seen a thing or two and can share some interesting stories.
I've been cooking for a long time, so I can teach you a thing or two about making a delicious pasta sauce.
High time you learned a thing or two.
After working in the industry for years, he's learned a thing or two about how to run a successful business.
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