If you're an avid reader or someone who wants to improve their understanding of English idioms, you're in the right place. This posts walks you through some common expressions that you can use in your everyday conversations or writing.

From "to hit the books" to "to read between the lines," I'll explain the meaning behind each idiom and provide real-world examples to help you remember them.

Why study idioms?

Studying idioms provides valuable insights into the richness and nuances of a language. Idioms are expressions that go beyond the literal meaning of their individual words, offering cultural and contextual significance. Understanding idioms enhances your ability to comprehend and communicate effectively, enabling you to grasp expressions commonly used in conversations, literature, and various forms of media.

From Cover to Cover: 20 IDIOMS about BOOKS and READING to IMPROVE your ENGLISH

read the room

DEFINITION:

To understand the emotions and thoughts of the people present to determine what would be appropriate or inappropriate to say or do.

EXAMPLES:

1. When the comedian realized that his jokes were falling flat, he read the room and changed his approach.
2. Before giving her speech, the politician took a moment to read the room and adjusted her talking points based on the audience's mood.

read between the lines

DEFINITION:

To understand what someone really means, or what is really happening in a situation, even though it is not said openly.

EXAMPLES:

1. Although he said he was fine, I could tell from his tone that something was bothering him. I had to read between the lines to figure out what was really going on.
2. The email from my boss was short and to the point, but I could tell from the tone that she was not happy with my work. I had to read between the lines to understand what changes she wanted me to make.

hit the books

DEFINITION:

To study.

EXAMPLES:

1. With final exams just around the corner, it was time to hit the books and start studying.
2. The new intern knew that she had a lot to learn, so she decided to hit the books and read up on the industry.

throw the book at someone

DEFINITION:

To punish someone as severely as possible.

EXAMPLES:

1. When the employee was caught stealing office supplies, the boss decided to throw the book at him and fire him on the spot.
2. The judge was known for being tough on criminals, and he would often throw the book at them and give them the maximum sentence allowed by law.

use every trick in the book

DEFINITION:

To do everything one can to achieve something.

EXAMPLES:

1. The experienced salesperson used every trick in the book to persuade his client to make the purchase.
2. The football team tried every trick in the book to win the game, but they still lost in the end.

the oldest trick in the book

DEFINITION:

A dishonest method of doing something that has been used many times before.

EXAMPLES:

1. The con artist used the oldest trick in the book and convinced the elderly couple to transfer their savings to him.
2. He tried to pull the oldest trick in the book by pretending to be a lost tourist, but the experienced cop wasn't fooled.

turn the page

DEFINITION:

To make a new start after a period of difficulties.

EXAMPLES:

1. After the divorce, it was time for her to turn the page and start a new chapter in her life.
2. When the athlete suffered a career-ending injury, it was time for him to turn the page and start focusing on recovery and life away from sports.

balance the books

DEFINITION:

To make certain that the amount of money spent is not more than the amount of money received.

EXAMPLES:

1. The small business owner was having trouble balancing the books, so she hired a financial advisor to help her get back on track.
2. Before submitting the budget proposal, the team had to balance the books and make sure that they could afford all of the proposed expenses.

by the book

DEFINITION:

Exactly according to rules or the law.

EXAMPLES:

1. The doctor was careful to follow the treatment guidelines and do everything by the book to ensure that her patients received the best care possible.
2. When it came to safety procedures, the construction company always did things by the book to avoid accidents.

cook the books

DEFINITION:

To change official accounting records in order to deceive or mislead.

EXAMPLES:

1. When the company was audited, it was discovered that they had been cooking the books for years to hide their financial losses.
2. The small business owner was caught cooking the books to avoid paying taxes, and was fined heavily as a result.

take a leaf out of someone’s book

DEFINITION:

To copy something that someone else does because it will bring you advantages.

EXAMPLES:

1. If you want to be more organized, take a leaf out of my book and start using a digital planner.
2. When the athlete saw how hard his teammate trained, he decided to take a leaf out of his book and start pushing himself harder during practice.

a closed book

DEFINITION:

A person or thing that is difficult to understand.

EXAMPLES:

1. Although she had worked with her coworker for years, she still felt like he was a closed book and she didn't really know much about her personal life.
2. My introverted classmate is like a closed book, leaving me to wonder what he is thinking about all the time.

an open book

DEFINITION:

A  person that is easy to know what they are thinking or how they are feeling.

EXAMPLES:

1. The talkative teenager was an open book and loved to share details about her life with anyone who would listen.
2. The therapist encouraged her clients to be open books during their sessions, so that she could help them work through their problems more effectively.

read someone’s mind

DEFINITION:

To know what someone is thinking without them telling you.

EXAMPLES:

1. It's almost like my best friend can read my mind because she always knows exactly what I'm thinking.
2. The psychic claimed to be able to read people's minds, but most people were skeptical of her abilities.

read someone like a book

DEFINITION:

To understand easily what someone thinks or feels.

EXAMPLES:

1. The detective was able to read the suspect like a book and knew his alibi was a lie.
2. Most experienced teachers can read their students like a book and know when they are struggling.

read someone the riot act

DEFINITION:

To speak angrily to someone about something they have done and warn that person that they will be punished if it happens again.

EXAMPLES:

1. After finding out that his employees had been stealing office supplies, the manager read them the riot act and threatened to fire anyone who was caught doing it again.
2. The landlord read her tenants the riot act after their rent payment was late several times.

In one’s good books

DEFINITION:

Regarded favorably by someone; thought of kindly or approvingly by someone.

EXAMPLES:

1. The teenager stayed out of trouble and did well in school, so she was in her parents' good books and they allowed her to attend a concert with her friends.
2. The employee stayed late to finish a project for his boss, so he was in her good books and was given a raise.

read the small/fine print

DEFINITION:

To make oneself aware of the specific terms, conditions, restrictions, limitations, etc., of an agreement, contract, or other document.

EXAMPLES:

1. Before signing the contract, the lawyer advised her client to read the small print carefully to avoid any surprises later on.
2. When the customer bought the product, she made sure to read the fine print on the warranty to understand what was covered and what wasn't.

have one’s nose in a book

DEFINITION:

To be reading a book.

EXAMPLES:

1. Whenever he has some free time, the literature professor can be found with his nose in a book, either reading or researching.
2. I prefer to have my nose in a book rather than socialize with coworkers during lunch breaks.

don’t judge a book by its cover

DEFINITION:

One shouldn't make a judgment about someone or something based on the person’s or thing’s appearance.

EXAMPLES:

1. Although the car was old and beat up, it was still reliable and got great gas mileage. It was a good reminder not to judge a book by its cover.
2. When the shy student started participating in class, the teacher realized that he was very intelligent and talented. It was a good reminder not to judge a book by its cover.