read something into something

Meaning: To give some meaning to something that is not justified; to imagine some significance that doesn't exist.

Example: “Don't read too much into his short reply; he's just busy.”

Origin: The image is of a reader putting extra meaning into a text that the writer never put there. The phrase is common from the 19th century.

More English idioms

see someone or something through rose-colored glasses To see something in a falsely good way; not to see something objectively.
rub elbows with someone To associate with someone; to come into contact with someone.
rub someone the wrong way To irritate someone.
run amok To run around in a frenzied or disorderly way.
run circles around someone To outperform someone by a wide margin; to be better than someone.
run its course To follow a natural progression without interference.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Sei un fenomeno You're amazing — exceptionally good at what you do.
Eres la leche You're the best — absolutely fantastic.
Eline sağlık Praise and thanks to someone — especially a cook — for something made beautifully by hand.

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