Closed book

Meaning

The idiom "closed book" refers to a person who is not interested, knowledgeable or willing to learn about something. They are closed off to new ideas or perspectives and refuse to entertain them. The figurative meaning of the idiom suggests that the person is like a book that has been shut with its cover tightly closed, making it inaccessible.

Usage

• Sarah was a closed book when it came to discussing politics, and I couldn't get her to see my point of view.
• The new CEO approached the problem as if it were a closed book, without considering any alternative solutions.
• When it comes to science, John is a closed book - he only follows his own theories without considering other perspectives.
• I tried to explain the concept to him, but he was a closed book and didn't want to hear it.
• The teacher was a closed book when it came to discussing controversial topics in class.

Roots and History

The idiom "closed book" has been in use since at least the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from the idea of a book that has been completely shut, making it unreadable or inaccessible. The figurative meaning of the idiom suggests that a person who is closed off to new ideas or perspectives is like a book with its cover tightly closed, making it inaccessible.

Synonyms in English

• Closed-minded
• Unreceptive
• Stubborn
• Narrow-minded
• Dogmatic

Synonyms in other languages

• French: fermé
• Spanish: cerrado
• German: geschlossen
• Italian: chiuso
• Portuguese: fechado

Similar Idioms

• cross swords

• comes to the crunch

• call of the wild