Read somebody like a book

Pro Tip 1/3

Intimate Insight

Use when you know someone's thoughts or feelings without them saying anything.

Whenever he's troubled, I read him like a book and know exactly how to help.

Pro Tip 2/3

Observation Skills

Implies you've watched someone closely and understand their habits or quirks.

After working together for years, I can read her like a book.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

It's a metaphor suggesting people can be understood as easily as reading text from a book.

He's got a poker face, but I can still read him like a book.