Л-27

HE ЛАПТЕМ ЩИ ХЛЕБАТЬ coll VP subj: human usu. pres fixed WO

to understand things as well as others do, be as good, capable as others* X не лаптем щи хлебает — X knows a thing or two

X wasn't born yesterday X knows his way around X isn't just out of the trees X knows which end is up.

Воркута стоял в очереди за бандеролью и вот как загнет в три этажа! Цензор, видно, решил показать, что тоже не лаптем щи хлебает, тоже кое-что умеет - и отозвался еще похлеще (Марченко 1). Не (Vorkuta) was lining up for printed packets when, all of a sudden he let loose a terrific hail of curses. The censor evidently decided to show that he wasn't born yesterday either and also knew a thing or two-and sent back an even bluer reply (1a).

«Мы ведь там у себя (в провинции) тоже не лаптем щи хлебаем. Кое-что сами соображаем» (Зиновьев 2). "You know, even out in the provinces we're not just out of the trees, we're capable of understanding things for ourselves" (2a).