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Region: General | Usage example: He read the new hire like a book.

Read someone like a book

Meaning

Understand someone easily.

Usage

Used when a person seems transparent.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Books can be scanned for meaning; similar to people.

Became common with rising literacy in the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Read someone the riot act

Scold someone severely to discourage bad behavior.

Give someone the cold shoulder

Ignore or snub someone intentionally.

Let someone off the hook

Release someone from responsibility.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.