read between the lines, To understand the hidden meaning or implication of something.
read someone like a book, To understand someone's thoughts or feelings easily.
Word Origin
Language
Old English
Original word
rǣdan
Originally meant
to advise, interpret, read
Background
The word 'read' comes from the Old English 'rǣdan', which meant to advise or interpret. Over time, it evolved to mean understanding written text. It is related to the German 'raten' and Dutch 'raden', which also mean to advise or guess.