The phrase "do scant justice to" is an idiomatic expression often used to convey the idea that something, such as a description, explanation, or portrayal, falls short in effectively capturing or truly representing the full worth, magnitude, or quality of a particular subject or situation.
When using this phrase, "do scant justice to" suggests that the attempts made to portray or describe something are insufficient, inadequate, or incomplete. It implies that the true nature, essence, or significance of the subject being discussed is not accurately or comprehensively conveyed. The phrase typically conveys a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction with the portrayal or description in question.
For instance, if someone says "The photographs do scant justice to the beauty of the landscape," they mean that the pictures fail to accurately capture or fully showcase the stunning qualities of the scenery. Similarly, if a book review declares "The summary does scant justice to the depth of the characters," it indicates that the summary fails to adequately bring out the complex and rich nature of the characters.
In summary, the phrase "do scant justice to" implies that the portrayal or description being evaluated fails to fully encapsulate or represent the true value, magnitude, or essence of a particular subject, leaving it feeling incomplete or inadequate.
