Read like a book Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹɛd/, /ˈɹid/ /ˈɫaɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbʊk
RED (or REED) LYKE uh BOOK
ɹiːd/ /lˈaɪk/ /æɪ/ /bˈʊk
REED LYKE uh BOOK
Definition
To understand someone's thoughts or feelings very easily, as if they are obvious and easy to see.
Usage & Nuances
Informal expression. Usually used about people whose emotions or intentions are easy to guess; often in the pattern 'I can read you like a book.' Not literal—means someone's behavior, expressions, or feelings are easy to understand.
Spanish: leer como un libro abiertoPortuguese (BR): ler como um livro abertoPortuguese (PT): ler como um livro abertoChinese (Simplified): 看穿（某人） - 了如指掌Chinese (Traditional): 看穿（某人） - 瞭如指掌Hindi: किसी को खुली किताब की तरह पढ़नाArabic: يقرأ ككتاب مفتوحBengali: খুব সহজে পড়ে ফেলা - বইয়ের মতো পড়াRussian: читать как открытую книгуJapanese: 手に取るようにわかるVietnamese: nhìn thấu như đọc một cuốn sáchKorean: 속마음을 꿰뚫어보다Turkish: adeta açık kitap gibi okumakUrdu: کھلی کتاب کی طرح پڑھناIndonesian: membaca seperti buku terbuka
Example Sentences
She can read me like a book.
basic
My best friend can read me like a book when I am sad.
basic
I can't hide anything from my mom—she reads me like a book.
basic
You can't fool him—he'll read you like a book every time.
natural
Even though I tried to act calm, she read me like a book.
natural
"Stop pretending," he said, "I can read you like a book."
natural