interpret (something) as (something)

interpret (something) as (something)

To infer, assume, or believe that something has a particular meaning. Don't interpret this as some big rejection—he can't go because he's busy, that's all. You know Aunt Marie—she interprets everything as a slight.
See also: interpret
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

interpret something as something

to assume that something means something. Don't interpret what I just said as criticism. It will be interpreted as criticism no matter what you say.
See also: interpret
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • interpret
  • interpret as
  • construe
  • construe (something) as (something)
  • construe as
  • read into (something)
  • differ with (someone) about (something)
  • read (something) into (something)
  • read into
  • see the writing on the wall