knew better

Verb

know better (third-person singular simple present knows better, present participle knowing better, simple past knew better, past participle known better)

1. (set phrase) To recognize that a statement or belief is false or doubtful.
   • 'Do you think, sir,' said Mr Willet, […] 'do you think, sir, that I'm a born fool?'
     'No, no, Johnny,' returned Solomon, looking round upon the little circle of which he formed a part: 'We all know better than that.'1841 February–November, Charles Dickens, “Barnaby Rudge. Chapter 54.”, in Master Humphrey’s Clock, volume III, London: Chapman & Hall, […], →OCLC
2. (set phrase) To understand that certain behavior is wrongful, futile, or inappropriate.
   • "All that happened when he was eight; he's older now and knows better."1919, H. H. Munro, “Hyacinth”, in The Toys of Peace and Other Papers

   Synonyms:

   know any better