"Cheese!" 9 Picture-Based Idioms to Share with Students
In English, we often speak about things we can see. However, many times we aren't referring to our eyes at all. For example, have you ever asked anyone if they can "see" what you mean? In this way, language related to visuals is commonly used to express ideas and concepts.
Perhaps that's why there are so many idioms with the word "picture." Since a picture can include any kind of image, we can use it to talk about many different things.
This time, we'll highlight nine common English expressions that include "picture" for you to introduce to students. Take a look and see how many they know!
The big picture
Simple explanation: the larger overall idea (as opposed to small details)
- It's our supervisor's job to look at the big picture and make sure we're reaching our department's goals.
- Details are important, but don't lose sight of the big picture.
Picture (something/someone)
Simple explanation: to imagine, to create an image in one's mind
This is often used when talking about fantasies or ideal situations.
- I can picture our business becoming number one in our industry in five years.
- It's hard for me to picture Jane going skydiving; she's scared of heights.
Get the picture
Simple explanation: to understand
Be sure to point out that this expression is a bit informal.
- They were confused at first, but I think they're starting to get the picture now.
- I got the picture when she didn't respond to my text messages after a few days.
Enter the picture
Simple explanation: to become involved or important
- The hotel industry was stable until companies like Airbnb entered the picture.
It can be used for people as well.
- Once Stacy entered the picture, my whole life changed.
Out of the picture
Simple explanation: no longer involved or important
It can also be used to talk about people.
A
Is she still dating Carly?
B
No, Carly's been out of the picture since the summer.
Picture-perfect
Simple explanation: excellent, no problems or faults
This is used as an adjective to describe scenes or situations.
- We went to the beach on a picture-perfect summer day. The weather was fantastic.
- Everybody's life seems picture-perfect on Instagram, but the reality may be different.
A picture’s worth a thousand words
Simple explanation: images provide more information faster than words can
- I could try to explain my Halloween costume to you, but a picture's worth a thousand words — I'll just send you a photo.
Paint a __ picture
This idiom refers to an explanation or prediction about something. It can be used in a positive, negative or neutral way depending on the adjective used with it.
Students should know that this is more common in writing than in spoken English.
- Last month's sales results paint a worrying picture for our company's growth.
- The news report painted a clear picture of the global economy.
The picture of health
Simple explanation: very healthy (usually with an active lifestyle)
- Kimberly exercises every day and only eats nutritious food, so she's the picture of health.
Wrap-up
As you can "see," pictures aren't only physical things we look at. Through these idioms, pictures also represent ideas, plans for the future, and things that we do (or don't) need to think about.
Share these expressions with students and help them open up a new range of possibilities in their English conversations.
