30 Idioms about Books and Reading

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  1. a closed book – a topic or person about which/whom very little is known
  2. an open book – a topic or person that/who is easy to understand or about which/whom a lot is known
  3. book smart – possessing knowledge acquired from reading or study but lacking common sense
  4. bookworm – a keen reader
  5. by the book – in accordance with the rules
  6. ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover!’ – the outward appearance of something or someone is not a reliable indication of its/their true nature
  7. every trick in the book – all available methods of achieving what’s desired
  8. in my book – in my opinion
  9. in someone’s good/bad books – in favour/disfavour with someone
  10. on/off the books – officially on record/ unofficially and usually in secret
  11. one for the (record) books – an extraordinary event that will be remembered
  12. ‘Read my lips!’ – listen carefully
  13. the oldest trick in the book – a trick so unimaginative and commonplace that it shouldn’t deceive anyone
  14. to balance the books – to add up all debits and credits
  15. to blot your copybook – to tarnish your reputation
  16. to bring someone to book – to punish someone or draw attention to their bad behaviour
  17. to close the books – to put something aside and stop spending time and effort on it
  18. to cook the books – to falsify facts or figures
  19. to have your nose in a book – to be reading intensely
  20. to hit the books – to study
  21. to make/open book – to take bets on something
  22. to read between the lines – to search for an implied meaning
  23. to read someone like a book – to easily understand someone’s thoughts/motives without being told them
  24. to read someone the Riot Act – to strongly warn someone to improve their behaviour
  25. to read someone’s mind – to discern someone’s thoughts
  26. to read something into – to give something meaning or significance that may not be there
  27. to read the fine/small print – to make sure you are aware of the conditions of an agreement
  28. to take a leaf out of someone’s book – to imitate a particular (usually admirable) quality that someone else possesses
  29. to take something as read – to assume something as true without further discussing it
  30. to throw a book at – to punish severely

If you’ve found this post useful, why not check out our other articles on idioms?

Have a great week!


19 Oct 2016
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"This is a fantastic opportunity for our students!  I'm sure Spellzone will be invaluable in helping them to improve their spellings and therefore improve the quality of their writing in all subject areas!"

Teacher, High School, UK