[read] {sb} like a book
1
to be able to easily understand what someone is thinking about or what their intention is
The idiom "read someone like a book" likely comes from the idea that just as you can read the words in a book to understand its contents, you can "read" or understand a person by observing their actions, expressions, and behaviors. This expression is used to describe the ability to understand or perceive someone's thoughts, feelings, or motivations easily and accurately, often based on their behavior or body language.
- She can read him like a book; she always knows when something is bothering him.
- With years of experience in the field, he can read his clients like an open book and anticipate their needs.
- His poker face is terrible; I can read him like a book and tell when he's bluffing.
- She's very perceptive and can read people like a book, which makes her a great judge of character.
- It didn't take long for her to read his intentions like a book; she knew he had ulterior motives.