known unknown

Something that one knows they don't know.

There are known unknowns, that is to say that there are things that we know we don't know. (whiskey tango foxtrot, Donald?)

by Bushmonkey October 1, 2006

Known unknown

These are the things that you know you don't know. Coined by Donlad Rumsfeld, former US Secretary of Defense.

Boss: Are you saying we don't know what this project will cost?

You: Yep, it's a known unknown!

by seven8521 November 1, 2009

Unknown knowns

Donald Rumsfeld pithy description of an old southern saying.

Rumsfeld says 'unknown knowns', down here we say, 'He's so fucking stupid, not only doesn't he know nothin', he don't even suspect it.'

by pshaw August 3, 2014