read like a book


read (one) like a book

To easily analyze and thoroughly understand one, especially one's emotions, motivations, etc. You won't be a very successful thief with that nervous demeanor—the cops will read you like a book. I can read you like a book, and I can tell that something's wrong, so please tell me what it is.See also: book, like, read

read someone like a book

Fig. to understand someone very well. I've got John figured out. I can read him like a book. Of course I understand you. I read you like a book.See also: book, like, read