painting



paint (something) with a broad brush

To describe or characterize something in very general, vague, or broad terms, ignoring or neglecting to include specific details. When asked about how she would stabilize the economy, the candidate painted her plan with a broad brush, resorting to vague claims about creating jobs and getting people back to work.
See also: broad, brush, paint

paint the lily

To add embellishment to something that is already beautiful or outstanding. The phrase comes from Shakespeare's King John: "To gild refined gold, to paint the lily ... is wasteful and ridiculous excess." My wife is so gorgeous that putting her in a fancy gown would just be painting the lily. Why add a filter to your photo of the rainbow? No need to paint the lily.
See also: lily, paint

be like painting the Forth Bridge

To be such an involved or time-consuming improvement process that it never truly ends. The phrase refers to Edinburgh's Forth Bridge, which once required constant upkeep. Primarily heard in UK. Remodeling our house was like painting the Forth Bridge—once we saw how nice one room looked, we had to redo another!
See also: bridge, forth, like, painting

be no oil painting

To be physically unattractive. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Jack's a nice guy, he's just no oil painting, you know?
See also: oil, painting

be no oil painting

  (British & Australian humorous)
if someone is no oil painting, they are not attractive She has an interesting face but she's no oil painting.
See also: oil, painting

be like painting the Forth Bridge

  (British)
if repairing or improving something is like painting the Forth Bridge, it takes such a long time that by the time you have finished doing it, you have to start again
Usage notes: The Forth Bridge is a very large bridge in Edinburgh.
Home improvements are a bit like painting the Forth Bridge. By the time you've finished the kitchen, the bathroom needs decorating and so it goes on.
See also: bridge, forth, like, painting

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Antonie (2)AHN-taw-neeDutch
RipleyRIP-leeEnglish (Rare)
LeiaLAY-a (Popular Culture)Biblical Greek, Popular Culture
Iokaste-Greek Mythology
EnİS-Turkish
CassiaKA-shə (English)Ancient Roman