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Region: US | Usage example: Show the user interface mockup; a picture is worth a thousand words.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Meaning

Visuals can convey complex ideas faster than text alone.

Usage

Used when emphasizing the power of imagery.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Attributed to early journalism and advertising slogans in the 1920s.

Popularized in American media to justify illustration-heavy layouts.

Related Idioms

Batting a thousand

Succeeding all the time.

Not worth a plugged nickel

Of no real value.

Big picture

The overall view rather than the details.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.