If you love reading books, you are probably already familiar with a lot of English idioms. These figurative expressions help make our writing more vibrant and descriptive, but they can be hard to understand.
Here we have a helpful list of idioms about books and reading – whether it’s reading literature or reading in some other sense of the word.
With each of the reading idioms on this list, we have included a definition and example sentence so you can see how to use them correctly. So, settle into a comfy spot and let’s get started!
Idioms about books
Let’s begin with some idioms about books (many of which are also about reading). Then, we’ll move on to some more general reading idioms.
Bookworm
Here’s a lovely book idiom to start us off. A bookworm is simply someone who loves reading. They are likely to spend much of their free time engrossed in books.
“Our whole family are bookworms. We don’t even have a TV; we’d much rather be reading.”
Lost in a good book
This is a common state for bookworms! To be/get lost in a good book usually refers to fiction books, and suggests being so engrossed in the story that you lose track of time and the surrounding world.
“The only way I can truly relax is to get lost in a good book for a few hours.”
“Once Charles is lost in a good book, you can’t get through to him.”
Balance the books
Next in our list of book idioms we have an expression about finance. Balancing the books is the act of ensuring that financial records are accurate, usually by reconciling income and expenses or by addressing discrepancies in bookkeeping.
“Our accountant needs some time to balance the books for the last quarter. Once that’s done, we’ll have a clearer financial picture.”
Cook the books
This might sound like a cooking idiom, but it’s actually about finance again. It’s not as positive as the one above though; to cook the books is to falsify financial records.
“It looks like this company has been cooking the books for years.”
It should go without saying that this action is dishonest and fraudulent.
Page-turner
Have you ever read a book that you just couldn’t put down because you wanted to keep reading it? That kind of book can be described as a page-turner.
“I started reading that novel last night, and it was such a page turner, I didn’t go to sleep until 3am.”
Read someone like a book
If you can read someone like a book, it means you can easily understand their thoughts, feelings, or intentions based on their behavior or body language – just as easily as reading words on a page.
“I’ve known her for years, and I can read her like a book.”
You may also hear ‘like an open book’ used in this phrase.
Have your nose in a book
When you are deeply engrossed in reading, with your full attention and focus dedicated to the book, people may comment that you have your nose in a book.
“I tried to get his attention, but he had his nose in a book. He’s always lost in some fascinating story.”
Have your head buried in books
This book idiom is similar to the one above, in that it describes someone being deeply engrossed in reading, often to the point of being oblivious to their surroundings or other activities.
However, to have your head buried in books is more of an idiom about education, as it suggests they are consulting several books at once in a studious way, rather than reading for fun or pleasure.
“I haven’t seen Sarah for days. She’s been preparing for her exams, with her head buried in books day and night.”
Close the book on something
When you conclude or finalize a matter, particularly one that has been ongoing or unresolved for a while, you are said to close the book on it.
This signifies putting an end to a situation or decision-making process, just as you would close a book when you have finished reading it.
“After much research and contemplation, I’ve decided to close the book on my project.”
“After months of investigations, the committee decided to close the book on the issue and move forward with other pressing matters.”
Note that closing the book on something doesn’t necessarily mean the matter is fully resolved, only that you have decided to move on from it.
Don’t judge a book by its cover
The famous life lesson don’t judge a book by its cover means that you should not make assumptions or form opinions about something or someone based solely on outward appearances.
This common idiom reminds us of the importance of looking beyond superficial characteristics to truly understand and appreciate the essence of a person or thing.
“I know the presentation may seem dull, but remember, don’t judge a book by its cover. The content inside might surprise you!”
“Did you know Clarissa is quite a successful businesswoman? Just goes to show, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”
An open book
When someone is described as an open book, it means they are transparent and reveal their thoughts, emotions, or intentions without hesitation. They are easy to understand or figure out due to their straightforward nature.
“You never have to imagine what Sarah is thinking or feeling. She’s like an open book, always honest and upfront about everything.”
Of course, the opposite of this saying would be a closed book; someone who is very hard to figure out due to their shy or secretive nature.
Hit the books
If you’re getting ready for an exam it may be time to hit the books. This learning idiom means to study or engage in serious reading, usually in preparation for an examination or to acquire knowledge on a particular subject.
“I have a big test tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight and review all the important concepts.”
Throw the book at someone
This expression is used when talking about the justice system or any other disciplinary procedure.
When a judge, lawmaker, or other person in authority throws the book at someone, they impose the most severe punishment or legal penalties on someone for their actions.
“Sadly the judge threw the book at him and gave the maximum jail time.”
“David decided to resign before the board of directors threw the book at him for his misconduct.”
One for the books
If something remarkable, memorable, or outstanding happens, you could comment that it’s one for the books. It means that the action or event is worth remembering.
“I can’t believe we had such beautiful weather for our vacation. Not a spot of rain. That’s one for the books!”
“The team won the match despite being 2 men down. Definitely one for the books.”
This was originally a sports idiom, referring to the books used to record sporting achievements, but nowadays it can refer to any kind of act or event.
You may still hear people say one for the record books, though, especially if referring to an outstanding achievement.
Reading idioms
Read between the lines
To read between the lines is to understand or perceive a deeper or hidden meaning that is not explicitly stated. It involves interpreting or inferring information beyond the literal words written or spoken.
“His email seemed innocent, but I read between the lines and sensed his true intentions.”
“If you read between the lines, it’s obvious that the company is discussing a merger.”
Read the writing on the wall
When you read the writing on the wall you notice and interpret small signs or clues that point to something happening in the future. This writing idiom generally refers to something negative happening.
“With the company’s declining profits and increasing layoffs, we can read the writing on the wall.”
This is an example of an idiom from the Bible, originating in the book of Daniel.
Read up on something
If you want to educate yourself about something in detail, or refresh your memory of some past knowledge, you should read up on it. This is the act of studying or researching a particular topic or subject to gain knowledge or information.
“I’m planning a trip to Japan, so I’ve been reading up on the country’s culture, customs and popular tourist destinations.”
“I had a meeting with a potential client today so I spent all night reading up on the company, and then they canceled at the last minute.”
Turn the page
To turn the page is to make a fresh start after a period of trouble in your life. It’s about leaving something negative in the past and hoping for better things in the future.
“I’m not going to go chasing after Julia any more. It’s time to turn the page on that relationship.”
The saying turn over a new leaf has a similar meaning about making a positive change in your life, especially turning away from some detrimental behavior and resolving to do things differently.
“After years of unhealthy habits, I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and prioritize my health and wellbeing.”
These are both good idioms to talk about the future in a positive way.
On the same page
When people are on the same page, it means they share a common understanding, viewpoint, or goal. They are in agreement or have aligned perspectives.
“Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page before we proceed with the project. We need everyone’s input and consensus.”
Read the room
Here’s another of our reading idioms that refers to the ability to assess a situation.
This time, to read the room is to understand the atmosphere or mood in a particular setting or among a group of people. It involves gauging the reactions, emotions, or dynamics of the situation.
“Before giving a speech, it’s essential to read the room and adjust your approach accordingly.”
Read someone’s mind
If you can read someone’s mind, it means you can understand their thoughts, desires or intentions without them explicitly expressing them. This usually happens when you have a close connection with someone and know them very well.
“There’s no point hiding anything from my wife. After 20 years together, she can read my mind anyway.”
“You bought pizza for dinner? You must have read my mind – that’s excactly what I was craving!”
Of course, some people will claim they can read your mind without knowing you at all, perhaps as a magic trick, but can you really do that?
Read the fine print
Whenever you sign an agreement or contract, there are usually lots of terms and conditions to read. This text is referred to as ‘fine print’ (or ‘small print’, in British English).
You’d better read the fine print carefully, because some companies hide a lot of unfavorable terms in there, hoping that you won’t notice.
“Before signing the lease, make sure you read the fine print.”
We hope this list of reading idioms has provided you with some amusement and insight into the captivating world of English language and literature.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you know any other good idioms about books that should be on this list. Otherwise, we wish you happy reading!
