The phrase "knows inside out and back again" means to have an extremely in - depth and comprehensive knowledge of something. Here are some synonyms and an analysis of them:
1. "Has an encyclopedic knowledge of"
This phrase implies that a person's knowledge is as extensive as an encyclopedia. Just as an encyclopedia contains a vast amount of detailed information about various topics, someone who "has an encyclopedic knowledge" of a subject knows almost everything there is to know about it. For example, "She has an encyclopedic knowledge of ancient history, knowing the details of every major civilization and their customs inside out and back again."
2. "Is a walking encyclopedia on"
This is a more colloquial way of expressing the same idea. It suggests that the person is like a mobile source of knowledge. If you need information about a particular topic, they are the ones to ask because they know it so well. For instance, "John is a walking encyclopedia on classic cars. He can tell you about every model, its production years, and its unique features without hesitation, as if he knows them inside out and back again."
3. "Has an in - depth mastery of"
"Mastery" indicates a high level of skill or knowledge. When we say someone "has an in - depth mastery of" something, it means they have gone beyond a basic understanding and have a profound and detailed comprehension. It's similar to the original phrase in that it emphasizes a deep and thorough knowledge. For example, "The pianist has an in - depth mastery of Chopin's works, understanding not only the notes but also the nuances and emotions behind them as if he knows them inside out and back again."
4. "Is well - versed in"
This means that a person is very familiar with a particular subject through extensive learning or experience. They have a wide range of knowledge about it. For example, "She is well - versed in literature from different cultures and can analyze and discuss the works as if she knows them inside out and back again."
5. "Has a comprehensive understanding of"
This emphasizes that the knowledge covers all aspects of a subject. A person with a comprehensive understanding has considered different perspectives, details, and elements of the topic. It's similar to the original phrase in that it conveys a holistic and thorough knowledge. For example, "The scientist has a comprehensive understanding of the theory of relativity, knowing the mathematical equations, the experimental evidence, and the implications as if he knows it inside out and back again."