Read somebody like a book

usgb
phrase

To understand or know someone or something very well, often because of having seen or experienced it many times before.

She's only been dating him for a month but already she can read him like a book.
Visual representation of "read somebody like a book" - To understand or know someone or something very well, often because of having seen or experienced it many times before.

Often appears as...

  • can read him like a book
  • i read her like a book

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "read somebody like a book"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Intimate Insight

Use when you know someone's thoughts or feelings without them saying anything.

Illustration for Intimate Insight
Whenever he's troubled, I read him like a book and know exactly how to help.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Observation Skills

Implies you've watched someone closely and understand their habits or quirks.

Illustration for Observation Skills
After working together for years, I can read her like a book.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

It's a metaphor suggesting people can be understood as easily as reading text from a book.

Illustration for Not Literal
He's got a poker face, but I can still read him like a book.
Visual representation of the word "Read somebody like a book"

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