wissen, wo der Hammer hängt
to know exactly how things stand; to know the ropes / be competent
Origin
The phrase probably dates from the 1960s; the exact origin is not certain (origin uncertain). The image is that of a pro in the workshop who knows exactly which hook the hammer hangs on - i.e. who knows the ropes.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- Simple past 'wollte' (wanted to, from wollen)Präteritum 'wollte' (wollen)
- Subordinate clause with 'dass' (that)Nebensatz mit 'dass'
- Indirect yes/no question with 'ob' (whether)Indirekte Frage mit 'ob'
- Indirect question with a W-word (wann/wo/wie …)Indirekte Frage mit W-Wort
- Question word 'wo' (where, place)Fragewort 'wo' (Ort)
- Two-way prepositions with accusative (Wohin? / where to)Wechselpräpositionen mit Akkusativ (Wohin?)
Examples
Frag den , der , wo der hängt.
Go ahead and ask the foreman — he knows the ropes.