picture perfect
Meaning
Exactly right and attractive—so perfect it looks like it belongs in a photo or painting.
Origin
From the idea of an idealized “perfect picture” in art/photography. By the early–mid 20th century it was used figuratively for flawless-looking scenes, people, or situations.
Notes
Mostly about appearance/aesthetic perfection. Usually complimentary, but can hint at “too perfect” or “only on the surface,” sometimes used ironically.
Examples
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The garden looked picture perfect after the fresh snowfall.
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They planned a picture-perfect wedding on the beach, right down to the sunset photos.
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Her makeup stayed picture perfect through the entire performance.
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The realtor staged the living room to be picture perfect for the open house.
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On social media, their vacation seemed picture perfect, but they were exhausted the whole time.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually an adjective phrase: “picture-perfect” (hyphenated) before a noun (a picture-perfect day). Also predicative: “The scene was picture perfect.” Commonly used with “so/absolutely.”
Synonyms
- flawless
- perfect
- ideal
- storybook
- pristine
Antonyms
- imperfect
- flawed
- messy
- rough around the edges