know something or someone for what it/he/she is

idiom

: to understand what something or someone truly is
Now I know them for what they are—liars.
before scientists knew the disease for what it is—a virus

Dictionary Entries Near know something or someone for what it/he/she is

know something like the back of one's hand

know something or someone for what it/he/she is

know something when one sees it/one

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“Know something or someone for what it/he/she is.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know%20something%20or%20someone%20for%20what%20it%2Fhe%2Fshe%20is. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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