English idiom

read between the lines

Register · Neutral 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

to understand a situation, especially after an explanation

on the same page

In agreement or sharing the same understanding.

on the same wavelength

thinking and understanding in the same way; in agreement

get one's message across

to make people understand what you mean or want to say

bad news

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

so far so good

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.

External links

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