Phrase guide

read like a book

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be able to discern someone's thoughts from their body language or other behavior, especially in great detail and with little effort.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Qualifier: simile

Examples

  • I love playing poker against Maria because I can read her like a book.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: lukea kuin avointa kirjaa — Translations
  • French: lire en quelqu'un comme dans un livre ouvert — Translations
  • Polish: czytać jak w otwartej księdze — Translations
  • Swedish: läsa som en bok — Translations