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What Does “A Picture Paints a Thousand Words” Mean?
Definition
“A picture paints a thousand words” (also commonly expressed as “a picture is worth a thousand words”) means that a single image can convey complex ideas, emotions, or messages more effectively than a lengthy verbal or written explanation.
In simple terms, sometimes, it’s easier to show than to tell.
Origin
While the exact origin is debated, variations of this phrase date back to the early 20th century. It is often associated with advertising and journalism, where visuals are known to capture attention and tell stories more powerfully than text alone.
Examples in Use
- You don’t have to explain how bad the storm was—just look at this photo. A picture paints a thousand words.
- When presenting the results to the team, I added graphs and visuals. After all, a picture paints a thousand words.
- Just show him the photos and he will understand. You know, a picture paints a thousand words.
Similar Idioms
- A picture speaks a thousand words (synonymous)
- A picture is worth a thousand words (synonymous)
- Show, don’t tell
- Seeing is believing
Why Use This Idiom?
Use this idiom when you want to emphasize the power of visual communication. It’s particularly relevant in:
- Presentations
- Storytelling
- Marketing and advertising
- Teaching and education
It highlights the fact that the right image can do what paragraphs of text cannot.
This idiom is in the art category.
