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Idioms for reading: Are you eager to learn English idioms to enhance your English speaking skills? Books are excellent sources of information and inspiration. It follows that the existence of intriguing idioms in the English language that allude to books is not surprising. Continue reading to discover the top 10 idioms for reading that are included in the blog article below.
This Blog Includes:
- Read Between the Lines
- A Page-Turner
- Crack a Book
- Hit the Books
- By the Book
- In Someone’s Good (or Bad) Books
- In Black and White
- Turn Over a New Leaf
- Turn the Page
- Read the Riot Act
- A Closed Book
- Take a Leaf Out of Someone’s Book
- Have One’s Nose in a Book
- Read Someone Like a Book
- An Open Book
- Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
- Read the Fine Print
- FAQs
Read Between the Lines
This idiom means to go beyond the literal meaning of words and understand the deeper or hidden message. It often refers to interpreting someone’s true feelings, intentions, or the real meaning of a situation that is not explicitly stated. It requires critical thinking and attention to context clues.
Example: She didn’t say it directly, but if you read between the lines, it’s clear that she’s unhappy with the situation.
A Page-Turner
This idiom is used to describe a book that is so exciting or interesting that the reader finds it difficult to put down. It keeps the reader engaged and eager to know what happens next, often used for thrillers, mysteries, or compelling novels.
Example: I started reading that new mystery novel last night, and I couldn’t stop—it’s a real page-turner!
Crack a Book
This phrase means to open a book and start reading or studying, often used when someone hasn’t been studying or reading enough. It is commonly used in academic contexts to encourage students to put in more effort.
Example: Exams are just around the corner, and you still haven’t cracked a book! You need to start studying now.
Hit the Books
The phrase can be used when one starts studying or reading intensively.
Example: I have a big exam coming up, so I need to hit the books this weekend.
Also Read: Idioms for Difficult Task
By the Book
If someone does something by the book, it means they follow rules, regulations, or guidelines very strictly. This idiom is often used to describe people who prefer to follow procedures exactly as they are written, without making exceptions.
Example: The investigation was conducted by the book to ensure fairness and accuracy.
In Someone’s Good (or Bad) Books
Being in someone’s “good books” means that they have a positive opinion of you, while being in their “bad books” means they are unhappy or displeased with you. It is often used in professional and personal relationships to describe one’s standing with another person.
Example: After helping my boss with the extra work, I’m definitely in her good books now.
In Black and White
This idiom means something is written or documented clearly and officially, leaving no room for doubt or confusion. It is often used in legal or formal contexts where something needs to be explicitly stated.
Example: They write the terms of the contract in black and white, leaving no room for confusion.
Also Read: Idioms for work
Turn Over a New Leaf
The idiom means to start fresh or change one’s behaviour for the better.
Example: After his health scare, he decided to turn over a new leaf and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Turn the Page
This idiom signifies moving on from a difficult or unpleasant situation and starting fresh. It suggests leaving the past behind and focusing on new opportunities or a new phase in life.
Example: After going through a tough breakup, Jake finally decided to turn the page and start focusing on his career.
Read the Riot Act
This idiom means to give someone a very stern warning or scolding, often because of bad behavior or misconduct. It suggests that strict rules and consequences will be enforced if the behavior continues.
Example: The manager read the riot act to the team after they missed the project deadline.
Also Read: 150 Common: Difficult Idioms with Example
A Closed Book
This can have two meanings. It can refer to something that is difficult to understand or interpret, such as a complicated subject or an unreadable person. Alternatively, it can also mean something that is finished or no longer relevant.
Example: Calculus is like a closed book to me; I just can’t grasp the concepts.
Take a Leaf Out of Someone’s Book
This means to imitate or follow someone’s example, usually because they are successful or have done something admirable. It suggests learning from another person’s experiences or behavior.
Example: If you want to be more organised, you should take a leaf out of Emily’s book—she always plans everything perfectly.
Have One’s Nose in a Book
To be engrossed in reading a book can be termed as having one’s nose in a book idiom.
Example: Whenever I walk into her room, she’s always got her nose in a book.
Also Read: Idioms for Beginners
Read Someone Like a Book
This idiom means to understand a person’s thoughts, emotions, or intentions very easily, often because they are predictable or transparent. It is often used to describe someone who is not good at hiding their true feelings.
Example: I can tell when he’s lying; I can read him like a book.
An Open Book
If someone is described as an open book, it means they are very transparent about their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. They do not hide their feelings or keep secrets, making it easy for others to understand them. This idiom can also apply to something that is easy to read or interpret.
Example: Sarah never hides anything from anyone, her life is like an open book.
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
This idiom is a metaphorical warning against forming opinions about someone or something based solely on appearance. It encourages looking beyond first impressions to understand the true nature or value of a person, object, or situation.
Example: At first, I thought the new teacher was too strict, but after a few classes, I realised she was kind and helpful. It just goes to show—you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Read the Fine Print
This means to carefully examine the details of a document, especially contracts or agreements, to avoid missing important terms and conditions. It warns against overlooking small but crucial details that might lead to unwanted consequences.
Example: Before signing the lease, make sure to read the fine print so you’re aware of all the terms and hidden charges.
FAQs
The idioms about reading tell us about the importance of it in the lives of people, especially students. Some of the idioms about reading are “Read someone like a book”, “Bring someone to book”, “To read between the lines”, etc.
Idioms for reading books are “Read someone like a book”, “A close book”, “By the book”, and “Cook the books”.
Idioms make the reading more interesting for the reader and help make the conversation simpler. Additionally, the idioms give depth to your writing by the use of meaningful words.
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