Idioms

in perspective

Also found in: Acronyms.

in perspective

1. Correctly depicting three-dimensional space on a flat surface, as in artwork. That box in the background of your painting doesn't look like it's in perspective to me. Don't forget your horizon line if you want your drawing to be in perspective. What's off about my painting? Is something not in perspective?

2. With an awareness of something's true value, importance, or significance. Seeing the devastation caused by a natural disaster like that really puts our petty gripes and problems in perspective, doesn't it? You don't think it's that big a deal? Well, let me get it in perspective for you: each of us will get 10 years in prison if we're caught. Everything's in perspective now: Colin's the love of my life, and I have to get to the airport and stop him from leaving!

See also: perspective

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*in perspective

within a reasonable view or appraisal. (*Typically: be ~; get something ~; have something ~; put something [into] ~.) Let's try to keep everything in perspective. If we put the matter into perspective, I think we can discuss it reasonably.

See also: perspective

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

in (or out of) perspective

1 (of a work of art) showing the right (or wrong) relationship between visible objects. 2 correctly (or incorrectly) regarded in terms of relative importance.

See also: perspective

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

Juicy historical tidbits not only put his life in perspective, but also seemingly warp us back into an era of flappers, bootleggers, jazz and networks of black entrepreneurs exhibiting exemplary determination and talent.

For Gold and Glory: Charlie Wiggins and the African-American Racing Car Circuit

(formerly S.A.F.R.), near the end of the seminar put the current market conditions in perspective.

The Manchester United hard man, who has had his fare share of run-ins with authority during a colourful 10-year career, warned the pair's alcohol-fuelled "Starsky and Hutch" show should be "kept in perspective".

Football: Roy backs Ireland pals over Hutch escapade

A good example of the difference in perspective between political ecologists and dependency theorists concerns the "hamburger thesis." The argument that growing international demand for fast-food hamburgers dramatically expanded cattle ranching and led to rampant deforestation achieved a fair degree of scholarly and popular acceptance in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Social Causes of Environmental Destruction in Latin America

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