Idioms about books

Books have been here for centuries and contain the knowledge of our past, civilizations, and cultures. For many people, reading books is a stress relief exercise and an escape to a different world they can enjoy. Books help children build language skills and widen their imaginations. But do you know that there are plenty of IDIOMS about BOOKS? If not let’s take a look at some of the most used idioms and perhaps start using them more often in our everyday life.

1- Be in someone’s good or bad books

This idiom is mostly used to refer to a situation where we need to have someone’s approval or disapproval.  

Example:’’Tom is in his father’s bad books because he forgot about his birthday.’’

2- You can’t judge a book by its cover

You should not form an opinion from appearance only

Example:’’He leads a very simple life but in fact, he is extremely wealthy. You can’t judge a book by its cover.’’

3-Have your nose in a book

Be concentrated on the book you are reading

Example:’’ Ben had his nose on the book the whole journey’’

4-Take a leaf out of someone’s book

Behave like someone else or follow their example.

Example: ’’ You should take a leaf out of your brother’s book and study harder.’’

5-The oldest trick in the book

A well-known and much-used trick that is still effective today.

Example: ’’He crashed his car into a tree to attract my attention while his friend stole my bike-the oldest trick in the book.’’

6-Cooks the books

Falsify the facts or figures in financial accounts

Example: ’’The famous footballer discovered that it was his father who had cooked the books’’

7-A book warm

Someone who loves books and spends a lot of time reading

Example: ’’Mary has always been a book worm so a book would be the ideal gift for her birthday.’’

8-By the book

Someone who follows the rules very strictly when doing something

Example: ’’When a company is run by the book its success is granted.’’

9-An open book

Someone easy to know about because they don’t keep any secrets

Example: '’Amelia’s life and career are like an open book. She always likes to share everything.’’

10-A closed book

a-Something you accept has completely ended

Example: ’’As far as Tom is concerned his rivalry with Hank is a closed book.’’

b-Someone or something that is difficult to understand

Example: ’’Some managers have it difficult to work in a group because sometimes they are closed books for their colleagues.’’