The phrase "not know beans about something" is a common idiom meaning to be completely clueless or ignorant about a particular topic or subject. The word "beans" is spelled as /biːnz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the long vowel sound "/iː/" in the first syllable and the voiced consonant sound "/z/" at the end. The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is speculated to have originated from the idea that someone who does not know how to grow beans or distinguish between different types of beans is truly inexperienced in agriculture.
The colloquial expression "not know beans about something" refers to a person's lack of knowledge, understanding, or expertise in a specific area or subject matter. The phrase is often used to emphasize someone's complete ignorance or incompetence when it comes to a particular topic.
The term "beans" in this context represents information or knowledge, and the expression suggests that the person in question possesses such a small amount of knowledge that they are not even aware of the basic facts or principles related to the subject. It implies a profound level of unfamiliarity or cluelessness.
When someone "doesn't know beans about something," it indicates that they have little to no comprehension of the topic at hand and are unlikely to offer valid insights or meaningful contributions. They lack the necessary understanding, experience, or skills to engage in a knowledgeable discussion or perform related tasks proficiently.
This idiom is often used in informal conversations to convey humor, exaggeration, or to express disappointment or frustration with someone's limited knowledge or intellectual ability. It serves as an amusing way to point out someone's ignorance while emphasizing the importance of being well-informed or educated on a particular matter.