# Literal Idiom Illustrations These Illustrations Translate Common Idioms Literally By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2015-10-26 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/common-idioms References: [demilked](http://www.demilked.com/literal-meaning-illustrations-proverbs-idioms-keren-rosen/) & [kerenrosen](http://www.kerenrosen.com/) Keren Rosen is an illustrator who transforms common idioms and expressions into their literal meanings. Idioms and expressions are used every day to communicate particular meanings. Rosen however, subverts these figures of speech and interprets them in a literal sense. Some examples of her work include common words like "fireworks," which is depicted by a flame doing some work on a laptop, or "sleeping pills" interpreted as literal capsules sleeping on bunk beds. Through Rosen's playful illustrations, she goes to show inanimate objects brought to life. Rosen has been obsessed with illustrations since she was eight years old and her portfolio shows off her versatile drawings that often subvert meanings through art. These fun and quirky illustrations are a great reminder of the complexity of the English language and its countless phrases. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Literal Interpretations:** Illustrating idioms and expressions in a way that subverts common usage. - **Visual Language:** Opportunities for businesses to explore non-traditional means of communicating ideas and phrases through illustration. - **Playful Disruption:** Incorporating playful and quirky elements into traditionally conservative industries or messaging. ### Who This Affects Most - **Advertising and Marketing:** Developing creative campaigns or content that rely on visual interpretations or puns to stand out in crowded markets. - **Education:** Utilizing playful or unconventional methods to assist students in understanding difficult concepts and encouraging classroom participation. - **Language Learning:** Incorporating non-traditional visual aids to supplement language instruction and make lessons more engaging and memorable. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cheekily Creative Bookmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illustrated-bookmarks.md) - [Interactive Language Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-dictionary.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Branded Illustration Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illustrations-ai.md) - [Celebratory Odd Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ridiculous-design.md) - [Cheeky Inaccurate Language Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-of-wonky-english.md) - [Illustrative Tech Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/richard-scarry.md) - [Text-to-Image AI Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonkers-app.md)