# a picture is worth 1000 words

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/a-picture-is-worth-1000-words
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

Better to show than tell

## Examples

- A picture is worth 1000 words when you explain a new design.
- Instead of describing the beautiful sunset to my friends, I just showed them my photo because a picture is worth 1000 words.
- The journalist chose to lead with a powerful photograph of the protest, knowing that a picture is worth 1000 words when capturing the raw emotion of a crowd.

## Origin

Coined in 1920s American advertising by Fred R. Barnard, who promoted it as an ancient 'Chinese proverb' to lend it weight.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.