Phrasal verb: to make out

[harry]

English Idioms and Expressions, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #2 "Take it in", question 8

I don't know who wrote this note because I can't make out the signature.

(a) discover
(b) find
(c) read
(d) learn

English Idioms and Expressions, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #2 "Take it in", answer 8

I don't know who wrote this note because I can't read the signature.

Correct answer: (c) read

Your answer was: incorrect
I don't know who wrote this note because I can't discover the signature.
_________________________

I didn't take in this idiom.

[Mister Micawber]

.
Make out = comprehend. In this case, the speaker could not read the signature.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber