know (someone or something) like a book
know (someone or something) like a book
To thoroughly and completely understand someone's emotions, motivations, etc., or how something works. After 30 years of marriage, my wife and I know each other like a book. Let's ask Jeff—he knows the security system like a book.
See also: book, know, like
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
know like a book
Also, know like the back of one's hand or know backwards and forwards. Be extremely familiar with or knowledgeable about; understand perfectly. For example, I know Greg like a book-I'm sure he'll come, or I know this town like the back of my hand, or John knew his part backwards and forwards. The first of these hyperbolic idioms, dating from the early 1800s, has a close cousin in read like a book, which means "to discern someone's intent," as in I can read Greg like a book; also see under open book. The second ( back of hand) dates only from the mid-1900s. Also see backwards and forwards, def. 2; inside out, def. 2; know all the answers.
See also: book, know, like
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- know like a book
- read (one) like a book
- read like a book
- read somebody like a book
- read someone like a book
- grab (someone or something) by the throat
- grab someone by the throat
- grab someone/something by the throat
- speak (one's) language
- speak language