This phrase literally translates to 'the monkey knows the tree he climbs'. It is used to express that someone knows very well what they are doing or what they are getting into, even though it may seem otherwise.
Examples
- Spanish: No te preocupes por Juan, él siempre toma riesgos pero recuerda que 'el mono sabe del palo al que trepa'.
- English: Don't worry about Juan, he always takes risks but remember that 'the monkey knows the tree he climbs'.