between the lines
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The filing didn’t specifically mention China, but one can read between the lines: China, China, China.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026
Wanting to avoid out-of-context reading between the lines as he praised the Dodgers, Skubal made sure to note that he wasn’t comparing his new situation with his old one.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
He reduces Bourdain to a zygote who simply needed enough nurturing to become his older, cooler self, when he could, instead, read between the lines to find what makes young Tony special.
From Salon ● Aug. 12, 2026
No matter which internet service provider you choose, it’s important to read between the lines of the marketing language and promotional rates.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026
I’m reading a little between the lines here, but I actually don’t think Blue has ever kissed anyone.
From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.