Meaning of the word "it's not what you know, but who you know" in English

What does "it's not what you know, but who you know" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

it's not what you know, but who you know

US /ɪts nɑt wʌt ju noʊ bʌt hu ju noʊ/
UK /ɪts nɒt wɒt ju nəʊ bʌt huː ju nəʊ/
"it's not what you know, but who you know" picture

Idiom

success depends more on personal connections and networking than on one's own knowledge or skills

Example:
He got the job because his uncle is the CEO; it's not what you know, but who you know.
In this industry, it's not what you know, but who you know that gets you ahead.