Picture Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Welcome to our fun world of idioms! Idioms are phrases that have a meaning different from the words in them. They make talking and writing more colorful. Let’s explore some picture idioms and learn how to use them in sentences.

Picture Idioms

Here are 20 picture idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Meaning: Images are more descriptive than words alone.

Example: When he couldn’t explain the sunset, he showed a photo because a picture is worth a thousand words.

Get the picture

Meaning: Understand the situation.

Example: Once you see the results, you’ll get the picture.

Paint a picture

Meaning: Describe something in detail.

Example: She can paint a picture with her vivid storytelling.

Out of the picture

Meaning: No longer involved.

Example: Since moving away, he’s been out of the picture.

In the picture

Meaning: Involved in the situation.

Example: She’s definitely in the picture for the promotion.

Picture-perfect

Meaning: Flawlessly arranged or attractive.

Example: Their wedding day was absolutely picture-perfect.

Big picture

Meaning: The overall perspective or objective.

Example: Focus on the big picture, not the small details.

Paint oneself into a corner

Meaning: Trap oneself with no options.

Example: Arguing at work might paint you into a corner.

Every picture tells a story

Meaning: Photos reveal a lot about the situation.

Example: His childhood album shows that every picture tells a story.

Paint the town red

Meaning: Go out and enjoy oneself flamboyantly.

Example: Tonight, we’re going to paint the town red!

Sketchy details

Meaning: Not fully complete or clear information.

Example: His explanation was full of sketchy details.

Frame the discussion

Meaning: Direct the course of a conversation.

Example: Let’s frame the discussion around the main issues.

Paint a rosy picture

Meaning: Describe something in a way that makes it seem better.

Example: She always paints a rosy picture of her holidays.

Look at the bigger picture

Meaning: Consider the overall situation or broader perspective beyond the current issue.

Example: Instead of getting upset over a small loss, try to look at the bigger picture.

Picture of health

Meaning: A condition of being very healthy.

Example: After his recovery, he was the picture of health.

Picture doesn’t do it justice

Meaning: The actual situation or object is much better than its photograph.

Example: The Grand Canyon is amazing; the picture doesn’t do it justice.

Read More:

Pirate Idioms

Slang for Picture

Adjectives for Picture

Poems About Photograph & Pictures

Picture Idioms