not know B from a battledore
1
used to imply that someone is completely ignorant or uneducated
The origin of the proverb "not know B from a battledore" can be traced back to the early 18th century in England, where "battledore" referred to a type of paddle used in the game of battledore and shuttlecock, an early form of badminton. The saying highlights a person's inability to differentiate between simple or fundamental things. It serves as a reminder to recognize and admit when one lacks understanding in a particular area, rather than pretending to know something one does not.
- When the new employee started working, it was clear that they didn't know B from a battledore when it came to the company's products.They had to undergo extensive training to catch up with their colleagues.