wrote the book on

wrote the book on (something)

To be well known for being extremely experienced in or knowledgeable about something; to be renowned as an expert in something; to know nearly everything about something. The phrase has become so cliché that it is often used after the word "literally" to describe someone who has actually written a book about a certain topic. This lady wrote the book on modern sound design, so I can't wait to work with her in the recording studio. He literally wrote the book on such trade wars, which was published shortly after his second term as president.See also: book, on, wrote

wrote the book on something

Fig. to be very authoritative about something; to know enough about something to write the definitive book on it. (Always in past tense.) Ted wrote the book on unemployment. He's been looking for work in three states for two years. Do I know about misery? I wrote the book on misery!See also: book, on, wrote

wrote the book on

Knows nearly everything about, as in Ask Dr. Lock; he wrote the book on pediatric cardiology, or I wrote the book on job-hunting; I've been looking for two years. This expression is always put in the past tense. [Colloquial; second half of 1900s] See also: book, on, wrote

wrote the book on

know everything there is to know about; be the expert on. informal, chiefly North AmericanSee also: book, on, wrote