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Pen Picture

What Does "Pen Picture" Mean?

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"Pen picture" is an English idiom. It means "a brief and vivid description or portrayal of someone or something, often using words to create a mental image."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "pen picture" used in a sentence:
  • The author provided a pen picture of the mysterious castle at the beginning of the novel.
  • His pen picture of the bustling city captured the essence of its vibrant culture.
  • In just a few sentences, the journalist painted a vivid pen picture of the historic event.
meaning for pen picture

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Pen Picture" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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