20 Idioms Related to Books and Reading

20 Idioms Related to Books and Reading

Hello, English learners! Welcome to a new lesson. In today’s lesson, we will plunge into the world of idioms related to books and reading. Understanding these idioms will enrich your language skills in many ways and add depth to your conversations and writing.

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What is an idiom?

An idiom is a word, phrase, or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal definitions of the individual words that make it up. Instead, idioms carry a figurative meaning that often reflects cultural nuances. For example, saying someone “hit the books” does not mean they physically struck a book; instead, it implies that they are studying intensely.

Idioms are also culturally specific. They often reflect the values, history, and experiences of the community that uses them. Because of this, the same idiom might not have a direct equivalent in another language, which can make learning them both challenging and rewarding.

In today’s lesson, we will look at idioms related to books and reading, explore their meanings, and provide examples of how to use them in everyday conversation.

1. A closed book
2. An open book
3. Be a bookend
4. Be on the same page
5. Book of life
6. Book of love
7. Book of memories
8. Book of secrets
9. Bookworm
10. By the book
11. Don’t judge a book by its cover
12. Hit the books
13. In someone’s good/bad books
14. Page-turner
15. Read between the lines
16. Read someone like a book
17. Read the Riot Act
18. Take a leaf out of someone’s book
19. Turn over a new leaf
20. Written in stone

Idioms Related to Books and Reading

A closed book

Meaning: refers to something that is difficult to understand or remains a mystery to someone. 

• Quantum physics is a closed book to me. The complex theories and concepts feel beyond my grasp. 
• While Mr Johnson is undoubtedly a kind and courteous man, he is a closed book – there is an air of mystery about him.

An open book

Meaning: refers to a very transparent and straightforward person who makes it easy for others to understand their thoughts and feelings.

• Sally is an open book; you always know what she’s thinking.
• My life is an open book, and I have no hidden secrets or emotions.

Be a bookend

Meaning: to be one of two similar things or people that are at the beginning and end of something.

• The twins are like bookends; they are inseparable and always seen together.
• The two leaders acted as bookends for the team, creating a harmonious environment where all members felt united and focused.

Idioms Related to Books and Reading

Be on the same page

Meaning: to have the same understanding or agreement.

• We must ensure we are on the same page before starting our business discussions.
• Once you get married, you must get your money matters on the same page.

Book of life

Meaning: the collection of experiences and valuable lessons that shape an individual’s life journey.

• Her autobiography is a personal book of life, rich with profound wisdom and insightful reflections gathered over the years.
• The lessons learned from hardships are written in the book of life.

Book of love

Meaning: something that expresses deep affection and emotions.

• Her poetry collection is truly a book of love. Each poem resonates with heartfelt sentiments, inviting readers into a world of emotional depth and beauty.
• He wrote letters to her every day, pouring his heart into the book of love.

Idioms Related to Books and Reading

Book of memories

Meaning: something that holds cherished recollections.

• The photo album is a book of memories, capturing moments from their childhood. Each photo tells a story, displaying family gatherings, birthdays, and things that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
• Each page of the yearbook is a book of memories for the graduating class.

Book of secrets

Meaning: used to describe something or someone that conceals a wealth of hidden knowledge or mysteries. 

• The old Victorian house stands as a book of secrets, with its many hidden rooms, secret passages, and forgotten corners whispering tales of its past.
• The library’s rare collection represents a grand book of secrets, preserving knowledge that has long been lost to the annals of history.

Bookworm

Meaning: a person who is keen on reading and spends a lot of time doing it.

• Martha is a true bookworm, a passionate lover of literature who often loses herself in the vivid worlds created by bookwriters.
• Are you going to the library at the weekend? You are such a bookworm.

Idioms Related to Books and Reading

By the book

Meaning: refers to adhering strictly to established rules, regulations, or procedures. 

• Our boss insists that we do everything by the book and make sure that every detail aligns with company policies and protocols.
• Pilots are required to fly an aeroplane by the book – they must follow guidelines and prescribed safety measures.

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Meaning: we should never judge something based on its appearance.

• The restaurant may appear run-down from the outside, but don’t judge a book by its cover; the food is fantastic.
• James might not dress fashionably, but don’t judge a book by its cover; he’s a brilliant designer.

Hit the books

Meaning: to study hard.

• Mark, you need to hit the books if you want to pass your exams.
• Many students hit the books when they have final exams.

Idioms Related to Books and Reading

In someone’s good/bad books

Meaning: refers to someone’s status regarding another person’s approval or disapproval. Being “in someone’s good books” indicates that you have earned their favour or respect often due to your actions or achievements. Conversely, being “in someone’s bad books” means that you have fallen out of favour, usually due to a mistake, failure to meet expectations or negative behaviour.

• After he finished the project before the deadline and exceeded all expectations, George found himself in the boss’s good books, which could lead to a potential promotion. 
• Terry is currently in his teacher’s bad books because he didn’t submit his homework on time, which affects her chances for a good grade. 

Page-turner

Meaning: a book that is very exciting and engaging.

• Her latest mystery novel is a real page-turner; I couldn’t put it down until I reached the final page.
• The plot twists and suspense made the book a true page-turner, leaving me breathless with anticipation and unable to predict what would come next.

Read between the lines

Meaning: to understand the hidden meaning or implication.

• I sometimes need to read between the lines to understand what my wife is really saying. Her words might suggest one thing, but her tone another.
• When signing a contract, it’s crucial to read between the lines. Legal documents can contain complex language and subtle spots that may not be in your interest. 

Idioms Related to Books and Reading

Read someone like a book

Meaning: to have a deep understanding of another person’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

• Darren’s wife can read him like a book; she always knows what he’s thinking.
• No matter how hard try to hide my feelings, my mother can read me like a book and always knows when something is wrong.

Read the Riot Act

Meaning: to reprimand someone severely.

• After their poor performance, the coach read the Riot Act to the team, emphasizing the importance of unity, commitment, and hard work.
• The CEO read the Riot Act to the employees, emphasizing the importance of attending the meetings and the vital role each person plays in achieving the company’s collective goals.

Take a leaf out of someone’s book

Meaning: to imitate or follow the example set by someone else. It suggests that adopting certain behaviours, methods, or styles from another person can be beneficial or improve your own situation.

• You should take a leaf out of Julia’s book and become more organized.
• Why don’t you take a leaf out of Jane’s book and get a shorter haircut? It not only looks great but is also practical when it comes to styling.

Turn over a new leaf

Meaning: to start behaving in a better or more responsible way.

• After struggling with his grades all term, Brian has decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on his studies.
• After her mother died, Jill decided to turn over a new leaf. She spent more time with her friends and tried to engage in activities that brought her joy and fulfilment.

Idioms Related to Books and Reading

Written in stone

Meaning:  refers to something that is permanent and fixed, emphasizing that once it is established, it cannot be changed

• The rules are written in stone; there’s no way to change them.
• Remember, your career path isn’t written in stone; you can always change direction.

Idioms related to books and reading

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