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read the room

idiom

To understand the emotions and thoughts of the people present, especially to determine the kind of speech or actions that would be appropriate or inappropriate.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    assume room temperature

    To die; to be killed.

  2. 02

    baby elephant in the room

    An obvious but mostly inconsequential issue.

  3. 03

    dictated but not read

    Dictated, as to a secretary or stenographer, but not proofread by the person who dictated it.

  4. 04

    elephant in the room

    A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.

  5. 05

    get a room

    Used to instruct a couple to stop displaying romantic or physical affection in public.

  6. 06

    gorilla in the room

    A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.

  7. 07

    have one's head read

    To have one's mental health assessed, to receive a psychiatric examination.

  8. 08

    light up a room

    To possess great energy and appeal; to cause a social gathering to become animated and cheerful.

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