Idiom
read between the lines
To understand the implicit meaning or unspoken message in what someone says or writes.
Meanings
To understand the unspoken or hidden meaning in what someone says or writes.
Definition
This idiom means to look for or understand the implicit meaning in a communication, rather than just its explicit words. It involves inferring what is not directly stated but is subtly suggested. Often, it's about discerning true intentions, feelings, or facts that someone might be trying to hide or avoid expressing directly.
Examples
- After reading his resignation letter, I realized I had to read between the lines to understand the real reasons behind his departure.
- When she said everything was 'fine,' we knew we needed to read between the lines because her tone suggested otherwise.
- The diplomat was skilled at reading between the lines of complex international agreements to grasp their true implications.
- You often have to read between the lines in political speeches to figure out what promises are actually being made.
- My boss didn't explicitly criticize my work, but I could read between the lines that she expected more effort.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistakenly use "read in between the lines" instead of the correct phrase "read between the lines."
Learn this in a path
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