Read between the lines

How it is used

Used when interpreting indirect messages. An inference is not a confirmed fact, so check important assumptions before acting on them.

Example sentences

1. If you read between the lines, the client's polite reply suggests that the price is still a concern.

   The concern is inferred from the reply rather than stated directly.

2. I tried to read between the lines of the announcement, but asked HR before assuming my role would change.

   The employee checks an interpretation instead of treating it as certainty.

Common collocations

• learn to read between the lines
• try to read between the lines

Related terms

• clarifyTo make something easier to understand by explaining details, removing doubt, or correcting confusion.
• feedbackComments about how good or useful someone's work, idea or performance is, given so that it can be improved.

More terms: Office Idioms and Phrases

• touch base
• heads-up
• on the same page
• keep me posted
• ballpark figure
• bandwidth
• circle back
• low-hanging fruit
• get the ball rolling
• back to the drawing board
• drop the ball
• on my radar