read between the lines

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

To understand a hidden or implied meaning that is not stated directly.

Why this phrase?

The unstated message is imagined as occupying the blank space between the written lines.

Example

“Reading between the lines, I think she wants to quit.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

get the picture Informal · CEFR B1

to understand a situation, especially after an explanation

on the same page Neutral · CEFR B1

In agreement or sharing the same understanding.

on the same wavelength Neutral · CEFR B1

thinking and understanding in the same way; in agreement

get one's message across Neutral · CEFR B2

to make people understand what you mean or want to say

bad news Informal · CEFR A2

an unpleasant piece of information; (informal) a person or thing likely to cause trouble

so far so good Informal · CEFR A2

used to say that things have gone well up to now

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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