🗓️ Idiom: Read Between the Lines (v)
💬 Meaning
- To understand a hidden or implied meaning that is not said directly.
- To detect the real message or intention behind someone’s words or actions.
🧠 Example Sentences
- He didn’t say he was unhappy with the deal, but I could read between the lines.
- You have to read between the lines when negotiating with experienced executives.
- The proposal sounded positive, but reading between the lines, there were several warning signs.
🏛️ Origin
The phrase “read between the lines” originated in the 19th century and may have come from cryptography or hidden messages written using invisible ink between normal lines of text. Today, it refers to perceiving underlying meanings that are not explicitly stated.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
The manager didn’t directly say “no,” but we could __________ between the lines that he wasn’t interested.
Answer
read
2. Choose the correct meaning of “read between the lines”:
A) To make up false information
B) To skip unimportant details
C) To understand the hidden or unspoken message
Answer
C) To understand the hidden or unspoken message
3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:
“She didn’t directly say the deal was off, but I understood the message.” → Change the sentence using: read between the lines
Answer
She didn’t directly say the deal was off, but I read between the lines.
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages
👉 Negotiation Idioms
👉 Full Idioms List
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