paint-by-numbers

adjective

1. formulaic; showing no original thought or creativity

Word History and Origins

Origin of paint-by-numbers¹

C20: from children's painting books in which the colours to be used are identified by numbers on the design to be painted

Example Sentences

Many Republican wags, such as David Frum and Erick Erickson, are already onto the Boehner paint-by-numbers game of the “Pledge.”

From The Daily Beast