March 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.
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.
We are guessing she’s putting the final finishing touches to her piece of art. Photo: Shutterstock
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.
