Home / Art

Clever Illustrations Playfully Reveal the "True" Meanings of Idioms

Idioms are a clever way to convey emotions and make comparisons, but what if you aren't sure of what they're supposed to mean? Keren Rosen imagines the literal, true definitions of idioms in a playful ongoing project. The simple, cartoonish images break down the meaning of each word and illustrate their individual definitions. Then, Rosen combines the two or three disparate elements into a single amusing composition. Suddenly, “brain freeze” doesn't imply a headache–according to Rosen, it really means that a brain is lodged in an ice cube; and the term “the icing on the cake” shows a jubilant cherry ice skating on top of a three-tiered dessert.

If you find these punny illustrations as delightful as we do, they're currently available to purchase as prints in Rosen's Etsy shop.

Keren Rosen: Website | Facebook | Tumblr | Etsy
via [deMilked]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits