read between lines
Grasp hidden meaning
To read between the lines is to perceive meaning that isn't explicitly stated—understanding implications, subtext, or hidden intentions from what someone says or writes.
The image is of secret messages written in the blank spaces between visible lines of text.
Reading between the lines of her email, I could tell she was upset.
Often appears as read between the lines with the article restored.
- subtextImplicit meaning beneath words
- hidden agendaUndisclosed true purpose
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- double meaningOne phrase, two senses
- hiddenKept out of sight
meaning · deeper meaning · unspoken · unspoken words · inference · nuance · decode · interpret · body language · subtle · hint · take a hint · underlying · cryptic · decipher · fine print · context · tone
- Book Idiomsby the book, closed book, open book, on the same page, same page
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- Reading Termspage turner, cover to cover, bookworm, fine print, bedtime story
- unspokensilent, tacit, unsaid, unstated, wordless
read, reads, reading, reader, readers, readable, unreadable, readability, reread