knows better than to tangle with someone

Kwfine · December 27, 2009, 8:07pm

Hi teacher,

Is “somebody knows better than to tangle with something / somebody” a set phrase?

For example: They know better than to tangle with Peter.

Does it mean that they don’t want to fight with Peter?

Thank you.

Kitty

Mister_Micawber · December 28, 2009, 1:25am

Yes, a fixed phrase. ‘To know better than to + verb’ = to be wise enough not to + verb; to know from previous experience not to + verb.

Kwfine · December 28, 2009, 12:21pm

Thank you for your help, Mister Micawber.