IdiomDaily Life
English
Englisha closed book
Meaning: Something one knows nothing about, or someone impossible to understand.
Example: “Car engines are a closed book to me.”
Origin: A book that stays shut tells you nothing. The phrase is common from the 19th century, alongside its opposite, "an open book."
Equivalents in other languages
Russian: книга за семью печатями (kniga za sem'yu pechatyami) Literally: A book under seven seals
More English idioms
- up to one's ears in debt Deeply in debt.
- hand on heart Said when swearing that something is completely true.
- you'll live Said to someone making a fuss over a small injury or setback.
- with an iron fist With harsh, absolute control.
- not turn a hair To show no reaction at all.
- all brawn and no brain Physically strong but not clever.
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