read someone like a book
Meaning
To understand someone's thoughts, feelings, and intentions completely and easily.
Origin
Imagine a time when books, once rare and treasured, began to flood society, transforming how people consumed knowledge and stories. Suddenly, the complex narratives held within printed pages offered a profound parallel to the intricate lives of individuals. The phrase "read someone like a book" emerged from this burgeoning literacy, painting a vivid picture of someone whose thoughts, intentions, and emotions were so transparent, so clearly laid out, that understanding them required no more effort than turning the page of an open volume. It beautifully captures the human desire to effortlessly unlock the hidden stories within another soul.
Examples
- After years of working together, the detective could read his partner like a book, anticipating his next move before he even spoke.
- She knew her children so well that she could read them like a book, immediately sensing when something was bothering them.