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Phrase(s): How do you know?
1. How did you get that information? (A straightforward question. The stress in on know.) • Bill: The train is about to pull into the station. Sue: How do you know? Bill: I hear it. • Fred: I have to apologize for the coffee. It probably isn’t very good. Jane: How do you know? Fred: Well, I made it. 2. Inf. What makes you think you are correct?; Why do you think you have enough information to make this judgment? (Contentious. The heaviest stress is on you.) • Bill: This is the best recording made all year. Bob: How do you know? Bill: Well, I guess it’s just my opinion. • Tom: Having a baby can be quite an ordeal. Mary: How do you know? Tom: I read a lot.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs