paint a rosy picture
Spin things favorably
To paint a rosy picture is to describe something in an overly optimistic or favorable way, often downplaying problems or difficulties.
The phrase usually implies the description doesn't match reality: The brochure painted a rosy picture of the resort, but the actual place was run-down.
Someone who paints a rosy picture may be deceiving others or themselves.
- beautifulExtremely pleasing aesthetically
- sugarcoatingMaking unpleasant seem pleasant
- rose-colored glassesMetaphor for naive optimism
- bright sidePositive aspect of something
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
optimistic · whitewashing · nice · glow · spin · embellish · gorgeous · overpromise · misrepresentation · lovely · gloss over · soft pedal · public relations · salesmanship · window dressing · overstatement · concealment · idealize
paint a rosy picturecatastrophize
Mentally magnify potential disasters
sound the alarm · raise red flags · throw cold water on · burst someone's bubble · rain on someone's parade
paint a rosy picturetell it like it is
Speak with complete candor
lay it on the line · call a spade a spade · pull no punches · not mince words · face facts
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