The phrase "are the picture of" is pronounced /ˈɑːr ðə ˈpɪktʃər əv/. The vowel sound in "are" is the open back unrounded vowel /ɑː/. The "th" sound in "the" is pronounced as the voiced dental fricative /ð/. The word "picture" is pronounced with a short "i" sound /ˈpɪktʃər/. The word "of" is pronounced with the unstressed short "uh" sound /əv/. When spelling this phrase in English, it is important to remember to use the correct preposition "of" instead of "is".
"Are the picture of" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone or something that perfectly embodies a specific quality, characteristic, or image. The phrase often implies that the subject closely resembles or represents the ideal or quintessential example of something.
For instance, if someone says, "She is the picture of elegance," it means that the person being described exudes grace, sophistication, and refinement in every aspect of their appearance, behavior, and attitude. They epitomize what is conventionally considered to be elegant.
Similarly, if a traveler witnesses a picturesque scene of a serene lake surrounded by majestic mountains, they may exclaim, "This is the picture of tranquility." In this case, the phrase signifies that the landscape embodies the essence of peace, calmness, and beauty, creating a picturesque image.
The phrase "are the picture of" is often used to convey a vivid mental image or to emphasis the exemplary nature of a person, object, or situation. It suggests that the subject is a flawless representation of a particular concept, quality, or ideal.
In summary, "are the picture of" is a figurative expression used to describe someone or something that perfectly epitomizes or exemplifies a specific characteristic or image, highlighting the subject's resemblance to an ideal or archetypal representation.