Read between the lines
"Read between the lines" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of understanding or interpreting the hidden or implicit meaning behind someone's words or actions. It suggests looking beyond the literal or surface-level content of a message to discern the underlying intentions, emotions, or implications. In essence, it encourages individuals to engage in critical thinking and analysis to grasp the full significance of a communication, especially when it may not be explicitly stated.
This phrase often arises in situations where there is subtlety, nuance, or ambiguity in the information being conveyed. It implies the need to infer or deduce meaning by considering context, tone, body language, or other contextual cues. For example, in a conversation, someone may say one thing but imply another through their tone of voice or choice of words. "Reading between the lines" involves recognizing these subtleties and piecing together the implicit messages to gain a deeper understanding of the speaker's true intentions or feelings. Overall, the expression highlights the importance of being perceptive and insightful in communication, as it allows individuals to grasp the full depth of meaning conveyed beyond the literal text or spoken words.