Here's another entry in our series on idioms. This time we're looking at
idioms to do with the arts. What better way to colour your sentences and show
your abilities with the English language than by peppering your speech with
these tasteful gems? These can really work wonders on people and might just
make the difference between making a lasting impression as someone who can express themselves wonderfully well.
Artsy-fartsy: pretentiously or affectedly artistic
Our younger brother isn’t really into ballet; he thinks it’s a bit artsy-fartsy.
No oil painting: not physically attractive
She has a wonderful mind, but she’s no oil painting.
A blank canvas: something or someone that can be filled with
new things
I want to get away from here and find a blank canvas.
Tar (a group of people or a person) with the same brush: believe
wrongly that someone or something has the same negative qualities of another
which is similar
You can’t tar all Scots with the same brush. He’s just a
drunk!
(Have) got something down to a fine art: mastered to a
high degree
Usain Bolt’s got running down to a fine art.
Poetic Justice: ironic or fitting punishment
It is poetic justice that the economic crisis is affecting the
bankers who are blamed for causing it in the first place.
Poetry in motion: something that is very elegant or beautiful,
especially in art or dancing
The young girl was like poetry in motion when she took to the
floor.
Stage whisper: A whisper that is meant to be heard
She told him in a stage
whisper, "I am fed up with your behavior"
State of the art: The most developed in technology
Our new convertible is totally state of the art.
