Meaning
To know something perfectly from memory.
Cultural Background
In schools, students are often encouraged to 'know by heart' multiplication tables or historical dates. In the theater world, 'knowing by heart' is the minimum requirement for a professional actor. In many cultures, memorizing sacred texts 'by heart' is a sign of deep devotion and respect. With smartphones, fewer people 'know by heart' phone numbers, making the phrase slightly nostalgic.
Use it for confidence
Use this phrase when you want to sound prepared and confident in a presentation.
Don't use 'mind'
Never say 'know by mind'. It is not an English idiom.
Meaning
To know something perfectly from memory.
Use it for confidence
Use this phrase when you want to sound prepared and confident in a presentation.
Don't use 'mind'
Never say 'know by mind'. It is not an English idiom.
Use 'learn' for the process
If you are currently studying, say 'I am learning it by heart'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
I practiced the song so much that I know it ____.
The correct idiom is 'know by heart'.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
The object must come before the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Are you nervous about the test?' B: 'No, I know all the answers ____.'
The idiom for perfect memory is 'by heart'.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
You are an actor. What do you say about your script?
Actors use this to show they have memorized their lines.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI practiced the song so much that I know it ____.
The correct idiom is 'know by heart'.
Which sentence is correct?
The object must come before the idiom.
A: 'Are you nervous about the test?' B: 'No, I know all the answers ____.'
The idiom for perfect memory is 'by heart'.
You are an actor. What do you say about your script?
Actors use this to show they have memorized their lines.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is always 'by heart' without the possessive pronoun.
It is neutral and works in almost any situation.
'Memorize' is the verb for the action, 'know by heart' is the state of having done it.
No, use it for things you recite or repeat, like words or routes.
It's an ancient metaphor for the center of the person.
Yes, it shows you are prepared for a meeting.
No, that sounds like you are stalking them.
Then you don't know it by heart anymore!
Yes, very common.
No, stick to 'I know it by heart'.
Related Phrases
Know inside out
similarTo know something thoroughly.
Learn by rote
similarTo memorize by repetition.
Have down pat
similarTo have something perfectly memorized.
Commit to memory
similarTo memorize.
