closed book
/'klouzd'buk/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained: A subject, matter, or person that is completely incomprehensible, mysterious, or unknowable to someone.
Usage
- The term "closed book" is used to describe a topic or person one finds impossible to understand. It emphasizes a total lack of knowledge or insight.
- It is typically used in the construction: "X is a closed book to me" or "X remains a closed book."
Examples
- Noun:
- Advanced mathematics is a closed book to me. (I find advanced mathematics completely incomprehensible.)
- Her motives for leaving remain a closed book. (Her reasons for leaving are still completely mysterious and unknowable.)
- I've tried to understand quantum physics, but it's a closed book. (I have attempted to understand quantum physics, but it remains utterly baffling.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be a closed book": To be an utterly incomprehensible subject or person.
- The inner workings of the government are a closed book to most citizens.
- "to remain a closed book": To continue to be mysterious or unfathomable.
- Despite years of study, ancient Egyptian religion remains largely a closed book.
Variants and Related Words
- Enigma (n): Something or someone that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
- Mystery (n): Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
Synonyms
- Puzzle: Something that confuses or baffles.
- Conundrum: A confusing and difficult problem or question.
- Impenetrable: Impossible to understand.
Idioms and Phrases
- A sealed book: This is a very close synonym, also meaning something impossible to understand.
- The legal jargon in the contract was a sealed book to the layperson.
Noun
- something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
- how it got out is a mystery
- it remains one of nature's secrets