know the drill
Meaning
To be familiar with the routine or what needs to be done, so no further explanation is necessary.
Origin
From “drill” meaning training or repeated practice (often military or workplace). If you’ve done the drill before, you already know the routine.
Notes
Casual and common. Often implies “no need to explain” and can sound slightly directive (“you know what to do”). Used at work/school when a routine is familiar.
Examples
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It’s Monday morning—you know the drill: coffee first, then emails.
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When the fire alarm rings, everyone knows the drill and heads to the nearest exit.
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We’re launching another update tonight, so you know the drill—backup your files before you log off.
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I’ve done this commute for years; I know the drill, so I leave early to beat traffic.
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You’ve been through orientation before, so you know the drill—fill out the forms and wait for your badge.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “You know the drill.” Can be declarative or rhetorical. “Drill” is typically singular with “the.” Can also appear in negatives/questions (e.g., “Do you know the drill?”).
Synonyms
- know the routine
- know the ropes
- be familiar with the process
- know what to do
Antonyms
- be new to this
- have no idea what to do
- be unfamiliar with the routine