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be none the wiser

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be none the wiser

1. To not be aware of something (typically because others have kept it a secret). I came in after curfew last night, but it's OK because I was so quiet that my parents are none the wiser.

2. To not understand something, even after receiving explanations and information about it. My tutor has explained the quadratic equation to me many times, but I'm still none the wiser.

See also: none, wiser

be none the wiser

also not be (any) the wiser

1. to fail to understand something Isabel must have explained her idea three times to me, but I'm afraid I'm none the wiser. If you take the label off the jar and say you made it yourself, your guests won't be any the wiser.

2. to not be aware of something The health department gave the restaurant a health warning, but customers were none the wiser.

Usage notes: often said about efforts to be sure that no one is aware: I figured I could just get rid of the stuff, and you'd be none the wiser.

See also: none, wiser

be none the wiser

to still be confused about something, even after it has been explained to you Isobel must have explained the theory three times to me but I'm afraid I'm still none the wiser.

See also: none, wiser