an open book, he/she is (like an)

be an open book

1. To be easy to understand or decipher. I wish these legal contracts were an open book. Don't worry, this recipe is an open book, even if you're not an experienced baker. Modernist poems have so many allusions to other works that they're not exactly an open book.

2. To act (or purport to act) honestly, with no secrets. Ask me anything, I'm an open book. Adam says he's an open book, but I've seen him sneaking out of his house late at night. If he says he's an open book, then he's lying—I know he works for the mob!

See also: an, book, open

be like an open book

1. To be easy to understand or decipher. He said these instructions were like an open book, but I can't make sense of them at all! Don't worry, this recipe is like an open book, even if you're not an experienced baker. Modernist poems have so many allusions to other works that they're not like an open book

2. To exist, respond, or act honestly, with no secrets. You can ask me anything you want—I'm like an open book. You can always tell when Sarah is upset. She's like an open book. He said he's like an open book? Then he's lying—I know he works for the mob!

See also: an, book, like, open

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

an open book, he/she is (like an)

Very obvious. See read someone like an open book.

See also: an, he, open, she

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer