To read between the lines
Example: You need to read between the lines to understand her message.
Definition
"To read between the lines" means to understand the hidden or implicit meaning behind what is explicitly stated, often by noticing subtle hints or clues that are not directly expressed. It involves interpreting the underlying message beyond the obvious words.
Etymology
The phrase "to read between the lines" originates from the practice of writing secret messages between the lines of visible text, which was common in historical times to convey hidden information. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for perceiving meanings that are not openly stated.
Learn to use this expression actively
"To read between the lines" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select English as the language you want to learn.
Create a free account
