paint a picture (of (something))

to describe a situation in a particular way.

The report paints a picture of a neighborhood in decline.

Usage notes: often used with an adjective that describes the type of situation:

Doctors have begun to paint a grim picture of his condition.

I don't want to paint too rosy a picture.

As the 2nd usage ex. shows, the obj is optional--SL, 1/03

• your own worst enemy
• your pound of flesh
• your road to Damascus
• your salad days
• your sea legs
• your smart mouth
• yours truly
• your tail between legs
• your tail between your legs
• your two cents
• your two cents worth
• your way out of a paper bag
• your wedding tackle
• your whole world came crashing down around
• your whole world came crashing down around you
• you said it
• You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
• You should be so lucky!
• You've got me there.
• You've made your bed .
• You've made your bed and you'll have to lie in it.
• You wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
• You wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.
• You wouldn't wish something on my worst enemy.
• You wouldn't wish something on your worst enemy.