idioms using “book”

By the book

To do something correctly, to strictly follow the rules

“The new supervisor won’t let you have an extra day off; she goes strictly by the book.”

Close the book on (something)

To bring it to a definite end

“Don’t you think it’s time we closed the book on this failing project?”

An open book

There are no secrets

“In the interview, ask him any question you want to ask. He says his life is an open book.”

Read someone like a book

To find is easy to understand what someone is thinking or feeling

“I know something is bothering Kamiya-san. I can read her like a book.”

You can’t judge a book by its cover

Don’t judge the value of something immediately; learn more about it first

“She looks very serious but has a great sense of humor. You can’t judge a book by its cover.”