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3. paint a black picture (of someone or something)

paint a black picture (of someone or something)

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paint a black picture (of someone or something)

To describe or portray someone, something, or some event as being extremely bad, hopeless, or unpleasant. You always paint a black picture of him, but he's a decent guy if you get to know him. I was really worried before starting the course because everyone I talked to had been painting such a black picture.

See also: black, paint, picture