2007-09-22 16:40:34 · 12 answers · asked by bong 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The proper expression is "to read between the lines".
Inexperienced people are unable to do it. It takes Life Experience, and some intelligence to see more than just simply what the words say.
Many novels, Theatre Plays (including Shakespeare), and even some TV stuff, relies on the viewer/reader being able to read 'subtexts' - stuff that is not written, but often very powerful. Things like Irony come in play here.
2007-09-22 16:50:02 · answer #1 · answered by fooles.troupe 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Reading between the lines means reading the unspoken subtext, the implied meaning behind what's not directly expressed.
Meaning:
Guess what someone's real thoughts, feelings, or intentions from what you hear or read.
If you read between the lines, you understand the real meaning of something a person says or writes
even though you are not given details.
Example:
Linda tried to be cheerful and said she was okay, but reading between the lines, I could see she was really upset.
They didn't say directly it was our fault, but it was easy to read between the lines. (It was easy to guess they meant it.)
2007-09-22 16:42:50 · answer #2 · answered by HCB 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To add to what the rest of the gang has said, let me give you an example. "People have said that cousin Jimmy is stealing. But I don't believe that for minute. Do you?" Those are the lines. Between them is the advice to count the silverware.
2007-09-22 16:53:46 · answer #3 · answered by picador 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"read between the lineS" ---plural
It means to get the nuances of meaning, not just look at the obvious
2007-09-22 16:43:41 · answer #4 · answered by desperatehw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It simply means there's more to what was said/written than what you're seeing/reading..."they are probably saying they will love to steal the BMX"! lol
2016-05-21 03:35:45 · answer #5 · answered by vida 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a game that adults like to play. It's about implementation. people imply something but don't actually say it. It's supposedly "written in between the lines." but it's not. Stupid liars.
2007-09-22 16:43:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
See the hidden meaning as to what is NOT being said
2007-09-22 18:54:24 · answer #7 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends if someone is holding up their index, middle and ring finger together....
If someone uses that body language they are flipping you off.
Otherwise it means that what someone might be saying and what they really want you to hear is something entirely different.
2007-09-22 16:45:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means to find the deeper meaning than what is being said
2007-09-22 16:42:00 · answer #9 · answered by A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means to understand unspoken/unwritten facts or truths that are not expressly stated.
2007-09-22 18:42:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋