Idioms
Here are 30 idioms related to books, film, and art, along with examples of how to use them in conversational speech:
Books:
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Read between the lines: To understand the hidden or implied meaning in a text.
Example: "Her poem was so deep and full of metaphors that you had to read between the lines to grasp its true message." -
Page-turner: A book that is so engaging and exciting that you can't stop reading it.
Example: "That thriller novel was a real page-turner; I couldn't put it down." -
Old as the hills: Something that has been around for a very long time.
Example: "The classic novel 'Pride and Prejudice' is old as the hills but still loved by many." -
In someone's good books: To be in favor or approval of someone.
Example: "After helping her out, she's now in the good books of her boss." -
Don't judge a book by its cover: Not to form an opinion based solely on appearances.
Example: "At first, I thought the movie would be bad, but as they say, don't judge a book by its cover."
Film:
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Hit the cutting room floor: To be deleted or removed from a film during editing.
Example: "Many scenes ended up hitting the cutting room floor to keep the movie's runtime manageable." -
On the edge of one's seat: To be in suspense or excitement while watching a movie.
Example: "The thrilling action scenes had the audience on the edge of their seats." -
Silver screen: Referring to the cinema or the film industry.
Example: "Many aspiring actors dream of making it big on the silver screen." -
The plot thickens: Used when a story or situation becomes more complex or mysterious.
Example: "As the investigation progressed, the plot thickened, revealing unexpected twists." -
The big screen: Refers to watching movies in a movie theater.
Example: "Seeing the special effects on the big screen made the movie even more impressive."
Art:
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A picture is worth a thousand words: A visual image can convey much information or emotions.
Example: "The painting captures the essence of the scene; truly, a picture is worth a thousand words." -
The art of the deal: The skill or strategy involved in negotiating or making agreements.
Example: "He's a master negotiator, known for the art of the deal." -
A work of art: Something that is exceptionally beautiful or well-crafted.
Example: "Her handmade jewelry is truly a work of art, admired by everyone." -
In living color: Vivid and vibrant, especially when referring to a colorful artwork or display.
Example: "The gallery featured paintings that were beautifully presented in living color." -
All the world's a stage: A phrase from Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," suggesting that life is like a stage, and we all play different roles.
Example: "He's an excellent actor; it's as if all the world's a stage when he performs."
Books:
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Read the riot act: To strongly criticize or reprimand someone for bad behavior.
Example: "When the team missed the deadline again, the manager read the riot act during the meeting." -
Cook the books: To falsify financial records or accounts to deceive others.
Example: "The company was caught cooking the books to hide their losses." -
By the book: To follow the rules or procedures strictly and without deviation.
Example: "He's known for being by the book and always adhering to the company's policies." -
In someone's good books: To be in favor or approval of someone.
Example: "After helping her out, she's now in the good books of her boss." -
Open book: A person or situation that is easy to understand or interpret.
Example: "His emotions are like an open book; you can tell how he feels from his expressions."
Film:
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Behind the scenes: The aspects of a film or production that the audience does not see, such as the work of the crew.
Example: "The documentary takes you behind the scenes of the movie-making process." -
On the cutting room floor: Referring to scenes or parts of a film that are removed during editing.
Example: "Several funny scenes ended up on the cutting room floor to keep the movie's pacing." -
On the silver screen: Referring to watching movies in a movie theater.
Example: "Seeing the movie on the silver screen made the experience more immersive." -
The show must continue: The performance or production must continue despite any challenges or setbacks.
Example: "Even with technical issues, the actors were determined that the show must go on." -
The red carpet treatment: Special treatment or lavish attention given to celebrities or important guests.
Example: "The hotel provided the red carpet treatment for the visiting dignitaries."
Art:
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Draw a blank: To be unable to remember or think of something.
Example: "When asked for an idea, she drew a blank and couldn't come up with anything." -
A labor of love: Work done with great effort and passion, often for little financial gain.
Example: "Creating the intricate artwork was a labor of love for the artist." -
Art imitates life: The idea that art is influenced by real-life experiences and reflects them.
Example: "The movie's plot is so relatable because it imitates life, portraying everyday struggles." -
Steal the show: To be the standout or most impressive performance or artwork in an event or exhibition.
Example: "Her dance performance stole the show at the talent competition." -
A brush with greatness: A close encounter or experience with a famous or highly respected person or artist.
Example: "Meeting the renowned painter was a brush with greatness for the young art student."
Feel free to use these idioms in your conversations about books, films, and art to add depth and color to your discussions!