1) To a fine art – довести какие-либо навыки до совершенства.
The English have raised the simple act of making a cupof tea to a fine art.
2) Be no oil painting – обладать непривлекательной или даже отталкивающей наружностью.
After seeing a bunch of 18-year-old models he met a girl who was no oil painting but wonderfully bright and interesting.
3) Paint (oneself) into a corner – загнать себя в угол, попасть в переделку.
We painted ourselves into a corner. And now, we have to paint ourselves out.
4) Watch the paint dry – заниматься чем-то скучным и утомительным.
- Don't you want to watch this TV-show with the most popular Russian celebrity trying to get married? - To be honest, I would rather watch paint dry.
5) With flying colours – добиться успеха, показать блестящие результаты.
I didn’t think she would do so well in the final exam, but she passed it with flying colours!
