read between the lines

1. To pay attention to what is implied in writing or in speech.

Idioms and Phrases

Perceive or detect a hidden meaning, as in They say that everything's fine, but reading between the lines I suspect they have some marital problems. This term comes from cryptography, where in one code reading every second line of a message gives a different meaning from that of the entire text. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Based on what we already know about Epstein, you don’t have to be a cryptanalyst to read between the lines.

From Salon

It was not hard to read between the lines and not hard to notice Rodgers' discomfort.

From BBC

Ultimately, I think that’s what all these articles are really arguing for when you read between the lines.

From Los Angeles Times

As in the book, Bobo’s take on things is blunt and chipper and usually wrong; we’re entrusted to read between the lines.

From Los Angeles Times

"I have to read between the lines when they tell me about what's going on."

From BBC