Advertisement

Advertisement

paint-by-numbers

adjective

  1. formulaic; showing no original thought or creativity

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of paint-by-numbers1

C20: from children's painting books in which the colours to be used are identified by numbers on the design to be painted
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The league has a salary cap, as well as paint-by-numbers roster compliance rules that permit minimal flexibility on how its teams can spend money.

From

Chauncey is the least of his problems, though, when what’s been structured around those moments feels like a paint-by-numbers exercise and not a true wade into terrifying waters.

From

Like a paint-by-numbers canvas, each region of the E-map is assigned a number.

From

There are a handful of scenes that play out with similar details, but whether by different performance choices, or the addition of one of those musical numbers, this largely avoids being a paint-by-numbers retelling.

From

Paint-by-numbers is more his speed, proven by his willingness anything to make a fast buck or explain his way out of a situation, making him simpatico with Cameo, the platform through which celebrities sell personalized videos to anyone willing to pay for them.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


paintbrushpainted