Drawing a blank: 10 idioms inspired by visual art and painting
Let’s get back to the drawing board for this one. Here are 10 common English expressions and phrases that relate to art, sketching and painting
What idioms about art do you know? Photo: ShutterstockMarch is Hong Kong’s annual art month, featuring cultural experiences such as big art fairs, special exhibitions and film screenings – to name a few. Inspired by the creative season, we are sharing 10 idioms and terms related to visual art, sketching and painting.
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1. Paint the town red
Meaning: originally a metaphor about the way bonfires painted the sky or scenery red, this term means to go out and enjoy yourself extravagantly
Example: After finishing their exams, the students decided to paint the town red, celebrating with an exhilarating night of dancing and laughter.
2. Broad brushstrokes
Meaning: to describe or approach something in a general or rough way, without many details, like an artist painting with wide strokes
Example: The project manager explained the new policy in broad brushstrokes, leaving the team to figure out the finer points on their own.
3. Stroke of genius
Meaning: an outstandingly brilliant and original idea or action, evoking the skilful brush stroke of a talented painter
Example: Her decision to use upcycled denim for the project was a stroke of genius, impressing everyone with its creativity and sustainability.
4. Picture-perfect
Meaning: flawless or ideal, as if composed like a perfectly executed piece of art
Example: The sunset over the lake was picture-perfect, with golden hues shimmering on the water’s surface.
5. Put the finishing touches
Meaning: to complete a task with small, final details, much like an artist perfecting a painting
Example: The chef put the finishing touches on the dish, adding a sprinkle of rosemary to make it as beautiful as it was delicious.
6. Paint yourself into a corner
Meaning: to get into a difficult situation with no easy way out, like an artist who has painted the floor and is trapped until it dries
Example: By promising more than he could deliver, John painted himself into a corner, leaving no clear way to satisfy his frustrated clients.
7. Colour outside the lines
Meaning: to behave creatively or unconventionally, going beyond traditional boundaries, inspired by artistic freedom
Example: Lilian always loved to colour outside the lines, designing bold outfits that broke every fashion rule and turned heads wherever she went.
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8. A blank canvas
Meaning: a fresh start or an opportunity to create something new, like an unpainted artist’s canvas
Example: Moving to a new city felt like a blank canvas, giving Lily the chance to chase dreams she had long set aside.
9. Sketchy situation
Meaning: something vague, incomplete or suspicious, comparable to a rough, unfinished sketch
Example: The job offer seemed promising at first, but it quickly turned into a sketchy situation when the employer avoided answering certain questions.
10. Draw a blank
Meaning: to fail to remember or come up with an idea, like an artist facing an empty canvas
Example: When asked about his weekend plans, Ken drew a blank, unable to recall anything beyond a vague memory of binge-watching a show.