Question

In the sentence below, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "read between the lines." The letter contained no direct criticism, but anyone who could read between the lines would have understood her dissatisfaction.

• A. read the letter aloud
• B. examine the handwriting carefully
• C. understand a meaning that is not stated directly .
• D. compare the letter with an earlier document

Answer 1

Answer:

C. understand a meaning that is not stated directly .

• The idiom “read between the lines” means to understand a hidden or implied meaning that is not expressed openly or directly.

• In the given sentence, the letter contains no direct criticism, but a careful reader can understand the writer’s dissatisfaction from the indirect words or hints.

• Example: Although he said he was happy with the decision, I could read between the lines and understand that he was disappointed.