The first that Master Nicholas put into his hand was «The four books of Amadis of Gaul.» «This seems a mysterious thing,» said the curate, «for, as I have heard say, this was the first book of chivalry printed in Spain, and from this all the others derive their birth and origin; so it seems to me that we ought inexorably to condemn it to the flames as the founder of so vile a sect.»
«Nay, sir,» said the barber, «I too, have heard say that this is the best of all the books of this kind that have been written, and so, as something singular in its line, it ought to be pardoned.»
I have rummaged among the books here over and over again, and I know more about them than you do.
After looking into each book, and opening and shaking it uselessly, in search of any loose papers which might be hidden between the leaves, I came to the fourth drawer, and found more relics of past pecuniary transactions in the shape of receipted bills, neatly tied together, and each inscribed at the back.
His Hiawatha was a new book during one of those terrible Lake Shore winters, but all the other poems were old friends with me by that time.
These first books we call Manuscripts, from the Latin words manus, a hand, and scribere, to write, for they were all written by hand.
There is, indeed, no such short cut to knowledge of each other as a talk about books. One short afternoon is enough for any two book-lovers, though they may have met for the first time in the morning, to make up their minds whether or not they have been born for each other.
Preparation by books had failed, owing to the doctor’s infidel obstinacy.
His evenings were spent at home with his books, his pictures, and his family, and usually with them alone; for, in spite of the melodramatic declarations of various English gentlemen, Melville’s seclusion in his latter years, and in fact throughout his life, was a matter of personal choice.
Woe to the person, in particular, who touched his books! Judge, therefore, of my horror when books small and great, books of every possible shape and size and thickness, came tumbling from the shelf, and flew and sprang over the table, and under the chairs, and about the whole room.
And then like a good mother she took up one of her son’s books and read it most determinedly.
Though he asked no one about it, reluctantly and with feigned indifference answered his friends’ inquiries as to how the book was going, and did not even inquire of the booksellers how the book was selling, Sergey Ivanovitch was all on the alert, with strained attention, watching for the first impression his book would make in the world and in literature.
«And to think my book is to be writ by the schoolmaster’s grandson!» exclaimed Captain Jim.
She did not expect that Tom could get out of his trouble by denying that he spilt the ink on the book himself; and she was right.
While Jones was kissing and mumbling the book, as if he had an excellent brown buttered crust in his mouth or as if he had really been a book-worm, or an author who had nothing to eat but his own works, a piece of paper fell from its leaves to the ground, which Partridge took up, and delivered to Jones, who presently perceived it to be a bank-bill.
a bookworm
= someone who likes to read books and reads a lot
My sister is a bookworm. She reads more books than anyone I know!
Learn more: Improve your English by reading children’s book series
hit the books
= to study, or begin studying, intensely
My final exams start in 2 weeks. It’s time to hit the books!
do something by the book
= to follow the rules carefully and exactly
The police were very careful and did everything by the book.
We did everything by the book but the bank still wouldn’t give us a loan.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover!”
= don’t judge or form an opinion about someone based on what they look like
We shouldn’t judge, or form an opinion about, the quality of a book just by looking at the cover, and we shouldn’t judge other people because of what they look like.
She looks like a punk, but that doesn’t mean she’s a bad person. Don’t judge a book by its cover!
Alternative: “You can’t judge a book by its cover!”
Learn more: How to Talk about Books in English!
throw the book at someone
= to punish someone as severely as possible
This idiom is used to talk about criminals, or someone who has broken the law. They are punished by a judge and the court system.
He’s already been arrested twice for drunk driving. If he’s arrested again, the judge will throw the book at him.
Listen: “My Library Books are Always Late!” | Episode 10
take a page out of someone’s book
= to copy what someone else is doing because they’re successful at it
Lynn looks amazing! She’s lost so much weight. I should really take a page out of her book and start exercising.
try every trick in the book
= try something every way possible, do everything you can
We tried every trick in the book but we couldn’t get the baby to smile!
He tried every trick in the book to get her attention, but she wouldn’t agree to go on a date with him!
have your nose in a book
= to read a book
(This idiom is not used to talk about yourself.)
He always has his nose in a book.
Every time I see her she has her nose in a book!
Listen: “My Summer Reading List!” | Episode 25
read someone like a book
= easily understand what someone is thinking for feeling just by looking at them
I always know when she is lying. I can read her like a book.
He’s pretending that he’s not upset, but I know how he really feels. I can read him like a book.
Are you looking for some common book idioms?
You are in the right place.
In this post, we will look at 47 useful idioms about books that you can use in your everyday English.
A closed book
- Meaning: A person or subject that few know much about.
- Example: Sullivan is a closed book. We know nothing about him.
An open book
- Meaning: A person or subject that is easy to get to know, or is well known
- Example: Don’t be scared to ask Molly anything, she’s an open book.
Book smart
- Meaning: A person who acquires knowledge from reading and studying, but lacks common sense.
- Example: Jennifer may be book smart, but she has no common sense! How many times do I have to remind her to look both ways before crossing the street?
A Bookworm
- Meaning: A person who loves to read
- Example: Lisa is such a book worm. She has read 3 books just this week!
Bankbook
- Meaning: A way to describe someone’s financial state
- Example: I went through my bankbook and I have no money for my rent this month.
By the book
- Meaning: A person who does something according to the rules.
- Example: Chris does everything by the book, so you know it is getting done right. I really appreciate that type of dedication.
Cuddle up with a good book
- Meaning: To get cozy and comfortable while reading a book.
- Example: My plan for this afternoon is to cuddle up with a good book.
Do you read me?
- Meaning: Another way of asking “do you understand me?”
- Example: Hey Peter, do you read me?
Every trick in the book
- Meaning: To try all available means to achieve the desired result
- Example: I’ve tried every trick in the book, yet I still can’t get my car to start. I think I need to surrender and just buy a new one.
I’ll see you in the funny pages
- Meaning: A way to say farewell or goodbye to someone.
- Example: Thank you for everything. I’ll see you in the funny pages.
In my book
- Meaning: In my personal opinion
- Example: In my book, Rory is a good person. She tries her best and is always encouraging others.
In someone’s bad book
- Meaning: To be in someone’s disfavor, to have their disapproval
- Example: Timothy is definitely in Paul’s bad book.
In someone’s good book
- Meaning: To be in someone’s favor, to have their approval
- Example: Rosie is in Henry’s good book. She has made quite the impression on him.
Off the books
- Meaning: When something is off the record or done in secret
- Example: Keep Kayden’s contribution to the new library off the books. We don’t want to spark a competition between the employees.
On the books
- Meaning: When something is on the records, or known about.
- Example: Kyla’s donation is on the books.
One for the (record) books
- Meaning: An amazing event that will forever be remembered.
- Example: Jack’s touchdown with 2 seconds left in the 4th quarter, is one for the record books!
Read it and weep
- Meaning: To find out the bad results of something, many times, the expression is used in cards games.
- Example: A royal flush, read it and weep!
Read my lips
- Meaning: To listen carefully
- Example: Read my lips, I am not returning to Stanford next year. Do you understand?
The oldest trick in the book
- Meaning: A trick, prank or gimmick so predictable, it should not fool anyone
- Example: That is the oldest trick in the book, did he really think I would believe that he could pick up a 2000 pound horse?
The printed word/page
- Meaning: When something is printed or written on a physical piece of paper
- Example: Apparently the GPS needs to be updated. Hence, let’s just read what the printed page says, so we will know the directions.
To balance the books
- Meaning: To add up all credits and debits in one’s own personal or business finances.
- Example: Before you leave tonight, please balance the books for the company.
To be on the same page
- Meaning: To think in the same manner, or have the outlook as someone else
- Example: Kevin and I are on the same page as far as wedding details.
To be put in one’s black book
- Meaning: To be disgraced, or out of favor with someone.
- Example: Earl was definitely in my grandpa’s black book. He made some bad decisions in his younger years and my grandpa never forgave him for it.
To blot your copybook
- Meaning: To damage your reputation
- Example: Make wise decisions so you don’t blot your copybook.
To bring someone to book
- Meaning: To punish or penalize someone by bringing attention to their bad behavior
- Example: It’s not a surprise that Kris brought to book Ethan’s bad decisions. She tends to look for the negative in others.
To close the books
- Meaning: To stop spending time and effort on something.
- Example: For now, I just need to close the books on my science project.
To cook the books
- Meaning: To falsify information, including facts or figures.
- Example: Whatever you do, do not cook the books!
To have your nose in a book
- Meaning: To read with intensity
- Example: Jimmy has his nose in a book, so don’t expect him to come down for another few hours.
To hit the books
- Meaning: To study in general, but many times the idiom is used when studying for an exam.
- Example: I would love to go to the mall with you, but I have to hit the books today.
To make/open book
- Meaning: To take a bet on something.
- Example: I don’t like the idea of an open book.
To page through something
- Meaning: To flip through a book or other written work in a casual manner.
- Example: Tyler, can you page through the blue book for me? Perhaps my note is hidden in there.
To read between the lines
- Meaning: To look for or capture an implied meaning
- Example: Though he wasn’t direct with me, I could read between the lines.
To read from the same page
- Meaning: To have the same understanding or knowledge about something as someone else.
- Example: Josh and Jim read from the same page when it comes to cars.
To read into something
- Meaning: To give something meaning that may not be there.
- Example: Mike was known for always reading into something, whether he had a basis to or not.
To read of something or someone
- Meaning: To read news about something or someone
- Example: I just read of some kids who started a million-dollar company all by themselves.
To read up on
- Meaning: To read about a person or topic to increase one’s knowledge
- Example: I want to read up on the Holocaust to really understand what the Germans went through.
To read someone like a book
- Meaning: To understand or recognize someone’s thoughts or motives without actually being told what they are.
- Example: I don’t know how my Dad does it, but he can read someone like a book.
To read someone the riot act
- Meaning: To give a strong warning to someone because of their bad behavior.
- Example: He may not have liked it, but Luke needed to be read the riot act.
To read someone’s mind
- Meaning: To discern someone’s thoughts
- Example: Zach could always read my mind, I just couldn’t understand how.
To read something cover to cover
- Meaning: To read something in its entirety.
- Example: Lou read that book cover to cover in under an hour.
To read the fine/small print
- Meaning: To be certain of the conditions or circumstances of an agreement
- Example: Before you make a deal, be sure to read the fine print.
To read the room
- Meaning: To analyze the general mood in a particular setting and act in accordance
- Example: Lucas was so great at reading the room, I just followed his lead.
To take a leaf/page out of someone’s book
- Meaning: To imitate an admirable quality that someone else has
- Example: Next time Johnny, try taking a leaf out of Caleb’s book.
To take something as read
- Meaning: To accept or assume something is true, without actually knowing if it is, or discussing it further
- Example: Ms. Penny always takes it as read, so be careful what you say around her.
To throw a book at
- Meaning: To severely punish someone for bad behavior.
- Example: You better be good or else Mom will throw a book at you.
To turn the page
- Meaning: To move on or transition to something else, especially from a negative experience to a positive one.
- Example: After everything last year, I have decided to just turn the page.
You can’t judge a book by its cover
- Meaning: The outward appearance of a person or thing, does not always indicate who or what it/they really are.
- Example: Gina surprised us all with her knowledge of sharks. But like I said, you can’t judge a book by its cover.
There you have it, 47 useful book idioms. Did we miss one? Please share your favorite in the comments below.
Книга – это источник знаний и вдохновения. Она открывает нам удивительный мир чудес.
Не удивительно, что в английском языке появились выражения для обогащения речи связанные с книгами.
В этой статье вы найдете 12 интересных «книжных» идиом английского языка.
Стараясь сделать нашу английскую речь более красочной и выразительной, мы используем пословицы, поговорки, разного рода идиомы и сленговые выражения на английском языке.
Теперь пришла очередь английских идиом со словом «book».
Готовы?
1. Bookworm
Первое выражение, связанное с книгами, это, конечно же «книжный червь» — человек, который обожает читать книги.
К примеру:
Emma is a complete bookworm. She spends all her free time reading books.
Einstein was a bookworm. He loved to read.
2. Hit the books
Данное выражение имеет значение «учиться». Ни в коем случае не переводите это как «быть книги». Дословный перевод здесь совсем не уместен.
Например:
I should hit the books tonight.
Marry must hit the books unless she won’t pass the exam.
3. Don’t judge a book by its cover
В русском языке можно найти аналог этой идиомы – «встречают по одежке, а провожают по уму», то есть, «не судите книгу по обложке». Это выражение можно применять в совершенно разных ситуациях.
К примеру:
Snails look too gross to eat them, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
4. To be in someone’s good books
Эту идиому английского языка можно перевести как «быть любимчиком у кого-то». То есть, человек у которого вы in good books вами доволен. Существует также выражение to be in someone’s bad books с противоположным значением «быть кем-то недовольным».
Например:
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
«Следовать правилам, не жульничать» — так можно перевести эту английскую идиому.
К примеру:
Police officers should do things by the book.
Their team didn’t play by the book. They’re cheating constantly.
6. To book
В русском языке уже прижилось новомодное слово-англицизм – букинг (т.е. бронирование). Соответственно глагол to book имеет значение «резервировать, бронировать или записываться на прием».
Например:
I booked the meeting room for 4 p.m.
He booked the meeting to the dentist on Friday.
7. Read someone like a book
Данная идиома означает «видеть человека насквозь», легко угадывать его мысли и чувства.
К примеру:
My best friend always reads me like a book.
8. Open book / Closed book
Первое выражение означает – «что-то очевидное», второе – наоборот, «что-то непонятное, трудно угадываемое».
К примеру:
Your thoughts are an open book for me.
Luck was always a closed book for us.
9. To throw a book at someone
Эту английскую идиому используют в юриспруденции, в суде; она означает – «наказать по всей строгости закона».
Например:
Judge Judy threw a book at him.
10. Every trick in the book
Данная фраза имеет значение «сделать все возможное, чтобы достичь результата, успеха».
Смотрим пример:
I’ve tried every trick in the book to get my students to do their homework.
11. The oldest trick in the book
Похожее с предыдущим выражение означающее «что-то очень очевидное, не новое», «старый трюк».
Например:
Writing the answers on your arm before a test is the oldest trick in the book.
If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking…
Haruki Murakami
12. In my book
Последнее на сегодня выражение, связанное со словом «book», имеет значение «по моему мнению, по-моему». Фразы-синонимы – In my opinion, to my mind, in my eyes.
Например:
She’s very mean in my book.
Linda is so kind in my book.
На сегодня все.
Совет дня от книжного червя — читайте книги на английском! ;))
Успехов!
A closed book
кто-то/что-то непонятное, о ком/чем мало известно
An open book
кто-то/что-то очевидное, понятное, о ком/чем много известно
To be book smart
быть начитанным
A bookworm
книжный червь, любитель книг, библиофил
By the book
согласно правилам, по правилам
Don’t judge a book by its cover!
Не суди книжку по обложке.
To use every trick in the book
использовать все возможные приемы
In my book
на мой взгляд, по моему мнению
To be in someone’s good/bad books
быть у кого-то в любимчиках/нелюбимчиках
Read my lips!
Слушайте внимательно!
To balance the books
подводить итоги (бухгалтерского счета)
To bring someone to book
призвать кого-л к ответу
To close the books
завершить что-л, закрыть вопрос, решить дело
To cook the books
фальсифицировать факты или цифры
To have one’s nose in a book
читать книгу, «уткнуться в книгу»
To hit the books
усиленно заниматься, с усердием взяться за учёбу
To make book on smth
делать ставки на что-л
To read between the lines
читать между строк
To read someone like a book
видеть человека насквозь; легко угадывать мысли и чувства
To read someone the Riot Act
прочитать кому-то лекцию; сделать выговор, нагоняй
To read smth into smth
вкладывать особый смысл во что-л
To read the fine print
удостовериться, что осведомлены со всеми условиями соглашения («прочитать текст в документе, написанный мелким шрифтом»)
To take a leaf out of someone’s book
брать с кого-л пример, подражать
To take smth as read
поверить на слово, принимать на веру
To throw a book at smb
строго наказать
To read a book from cover to cover
прочитать книгу от начала до конца, от корки до корки, целиком, полностью