All phrases › read between the lines
What does “read between the lines” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To understand a meaning that isn't stated directly
“You have to read between the lines with him. He never says exactly what he means.”
Say it smoothly: “reed-bee-tween-thuh-lines”
From the B2 lesson Reading Between the Lines (honest communication).
C1
To understand a hidden or implied meaning, not just the literal words
“You have to read between the lines with him. He never says what he really means directly.”
From the C1 lesson Reading Between the Lines (honest communication).
Quick check
What does “read between the lines” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“read between the lines” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
Or get all 32 lessons in the complete B2 course or the complete C1 course and save 25%.
Want to use phrases like this with confidence?Practice them in a one-to-one lesson with me, an experienced online English teacher.
Book a lesson
Book a lesson
Related phrases
- get your point acrossto make sure other people understand what you're trying to say
- beat around the bushto avoid saying something directly, usually because it's difficult
- straight to the pointdirect, without unnecessary details
- a heart-to-heartan honest, personal conversation, often about feelings
- break the newsto tell someone important information, often bad news
- speak your mindto say openly and honestly what you really think
- put it bluntlyto say something in a very direct, sometimes blunt, way
- keep someone in the darkto deliberately not tell someone information
- drop a hintto suggest something indirectly rather than saying it outright
- pull no punchesto speak very directly and honestly, even if it's uncomfortable
- sugar-coat somethingto make bad news sound better or gentler than it is
- a diplomatic answera careful, tactful response that avoids offense or commitment