teach grandma how to suck eggs
To tell an expert how to do things.
Madam, reply’d Joler, you would have me teach my Grandame to ſuck Eggs, or ſet up for a Lent Preacher.
grandma
/ˈɡɹænmɑː/
verb 2noun 1name 1
Collocations
5ADJ.
afraid, bent, dangerous, injured, little, over, strong, worried
VERB + GRANDMA
axing, didn't, visit, want
GRANDMA + NOUN
flour, grandpa, leg, moses, wilson
PREP.
about, down, in, on, out, out
ADV.
once, sometimes
Definitions
noun
1
Grandmother.
verb
1
To address (someone) as “grandma”.
This Laura had died within a year of her marriage, but Lottie had claimed relationship to the family just the same, grandma-ing Mrs. Richards and aunty-ing the sisters. John, however, was never called uncle, except in fun.
“But Grandma—,” I said. […] “And don’t you go ‘Grandma-ing’ me neither,” she said.
2
To be or act as a grandmother to (someone).
And what about Cliff working on cars and painting signs, and Wendy working nights to take care of that baby, and young Allen raking leaves for everyone, and Doris grandmaing folks, and wounded folks bouncing back to life . . . ?”
“I don’t want you to be a grandma.” / But why, I wondered, worried that he perceived some defect in my grandma-ing ability. Doesn’t he think I’ll be a good grandma?
name
1
An unfriendly and disparaging way of addressing an elderly woman whose name is unknown.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun — the mother of your father or mother
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
don't try to teach grandma how to suck eggs
Don't presume to give advice to those who are more experienced.
Example Bank
601
This Laura had died within a year of her marriage, but Lottie had claimed relationship to the family just the same, grandma-ing Mrs. Richards and aunty-ing the sisters. John, however, was never called
Wiktionary02
“But Grandma—,” I said. […] “And don’t you go ‘Grandma-ing’ me neither,” she said.
Wiktionary03
“Gran-” Nancy started. / “Quit Grandma-ing me girl.[…]” Grandma Wilson insisted.
Wiktionary04
If Grandma doesn't come, the children will be disappointed.
Tatoeba · #3106005
The object of the journey was to visit Grandma.
Tatoeba · #4348006
Sally recalled the days when her grandma was strong and healthy.
Tatoeba · #53944Usage Notes
i Register
In some senses, grandma is marked as informal, derogatory, slang, rare. Watch for register when choosing this word.
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