- 1. Bookworm
- 2. Hit the books
- 3. Don’t judge a book by its cover
- 4. To be in someone’s good books
- 5. By the book
- 6. To book
- 7. Read someone like a book
- 8. Open book / Closed book
- 9. To throw the book at someone
- 10. Every trick in the book
- 11. The oldest trick in the book
- 12. In my book
- On to the next chapter
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the idiom ‘bookworm’ mean?
- What does it mean to ‘hit the books’?
- What is the meaning of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’?
- What does it mean to be ‘in someone’s good books’?
- What does the idiom ‘to throw the book at someone’ signify?
Are you on a journey to learn English? If so, you’ll discover that books are incredible reservoirs of knowledge and inspiration. It’s no wonder that the English language is rich with intriguing idioms related to reading and literature!
In this article, you’ll find 12 book idioms in English, so keep reading to learn them all.
1. Bookworm
The first expression associated with books is, of course, “bookworm.” This is a person who loves to read books.
For example:
Emma is a total bookworm. She spends all her free time reading books.
Einstein was a bookworm. He loved to read.
2. Hit the books
This book idiom means “to study.” It doesn’t mean to literally hit books.
For example:
I should hit the books tonight.
Mary has to hit the books if she’s going to pass the exam.
3. Don’t judge a book by its cover
This idiom means that you shouldn’t prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone.
For example:
Snails look too gross to eat but don’t judge a book by its cover.
4. To be in someone’s good books
The idiom “in someone’s good books” refers to being favored or liked by someone. When you find yourself “in someone’s good books,” it means they hold a positive view of you and appreciate your presence.
Another phrase to know is “to be in someone’s bad books,” which conveys the opposite sentiment. It indicates that someone is upset or disapproving of you for a specific reason.
For example:
Monica is in the teacher’s good books.
Mulan was in the chef’s good books before she spoiled the main dish that evening.
5. By the book
This idiom means “to follow the rules; not cheat.”
For example:
Police officers should do things by the book.
Their team doesn’t play in the book. They constantly cheat.
6. To book
This idiom in English means “to reserve; to make a reservation; to make an appointment.”
For example:
I booked the meeting room for 4 p.m.
He booked a hotel room for the last weekend of the month.
7. Read someone like a book
This idiom refers to having such a deep understanding of someone that you can read their thoughts and feelings just by observing their expressions and demeanor.
For example:
My best friend can read me like a book.
8. Open book / Closed book
The first expression describes a person who is highly open and expressive, freely sharing their thoughts and emotions. In contrast, the second expression refers to someone who is enigmatic or reserved, often keeping their feelings and opinions to themselves, making them harder to understand.
For example:
You are an open book for me.
It’s hard to tell what he’s thinking. He’s a closed book.
9. To throw the book at someone
This legal idiom in English is commonly used during trials and refers to imposing the maximum penalty possible under the law. It signifies holding someone fully accountable for their actions.
For example:
Judge Judy threw the book at him.
10. Every trick in the book
This phrase means “to do everything possible to achieve a result or to be successful at something.”
For example:
I’ve tried every trick in the book to get my students to do their homework.
11. The oldest trick in the book
This phrase refers to a deceptive tactic that remains effective despite being widely recognized, old, and frequently employed by various individuals throughout history.
For example:
Writing the answers on your arm before a test is the oldest trick in the book.
Haruki Murakami once said, “If you limit yourself to the books that everyone else is reading, your thoughts will mirror theirs.” This highlights the importance of exploring diverse literature to cultivate original ideas and perspectives. Embracing a variety of books can enrich your thinking and spark your creativity.
12. In my book
This final book idiom in our list means “to me” or “in my opinion.”
For example:
She’s very mean in my book.
Elvis was the best singer of his generation, in my book.
On to the next chapter
Book idioms enhance the richness of the English language, offering a vibrant and engaging way to communicate ideas. Whether you’re a passionate reader or not, grasping these idioms can significantly boost your English proficiency and allow you to impress others with your linguistic flair.
In this article, we’ve delved into some of the most well-known book idioms and their meanings. Our goal is to enhance your understanding of the English language and boost your communication skills. We hope you found this exploration both enlightening and enjoyable!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the idiom ‘bookworm’ mean?
A ‘bookworm’ refers to a person who loves to read books.
What does it mean to ‘hit the books’?
To ‘hit the books’ means to study.
What is the meaning of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’?
This idiom means that you shouldn’t prejudge the worth or value of something based on its outward appearance.
What does it mean to be ‘in someone’s good books’?
To be ‘in someone’s good books’ means to be favored or liked by someone.
What does the idiom ‘to throw the book at someone’ signify?
It signifies imposing the maximum penalty possible under the law.
