used to imply that true beauty goes beyond superficial appearances and should be judged based on deeper qualities such as kindness, compassion, intelligence, and integrity
"Beauty is skin deep."
"He may be handsome, but remember that beauty is only skin deep and character matters more."
a good horse cannot be of a bad color/ɐ ɡˈʊd hˈɔːɹs kænˈɑːt biː əvə bˈæd kˈʌlɚ/sentence
used to imply that the quality or worth of something is not determined by its superficial or outward appearance
"A genuinely good thing cannot look bad — a good horse cannot be of a bad colour."
"The product was excellent regardless of how it was packaged — a good horse cannot be of a bad colour."
the fairest rose is at last withered/ðə fˈɛɹəst ɹˈoʊz ɪz æt lˈæst wˈɪðɚd/sentence
used to suggest that nothing in this world is permanent, and that even the most beautiful things will eventually lose their charm and vitality over time
"Beauty fades eventually."
"Her youthful charm had long given way to something more enduring, the fairest rose is at last withered."
a black plum is (just|) as sweet as a white (one|plum)/ɐ blˈæk plˈʌm ɪz æz swˈiːt æz ɐ wˈaɪt/sentence
used to imply that one should not judge the worth or value of things or people based solely on their outward appearance
"Looks don't define value."
"The modest presentation concealed an exceptional proposal, a black plum is just as sweet as a white one."
a blind man's wife needs no paint/ɐ blˈaɪnd mˈænz wˈaɪf nˈiːdz nˈoʊ pˈeɪnt/sentence
used to emphasize the idea that true beauty and value come from within, and that external appearances are not the most significant factor in a meaningful and fulfilling relationship
"Inner beauty is most important."
"Their bond was built on kindness, not looks, a blind man's wife needs no paint."
used to suggest that beautiful things are more likely to draw envy and attention, and hence more prone to being targeted by thieves than valuable material possessions like gold
"Beauty attracts thieves."
"Her visibility made her a target in ways that wealth alone would not have, beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold."
fine feathers make fine birds/fˈaɪn fˈɛðɚz mˌeɪk fˈaɪn bˈɜːdz/sentence
used to suggests that those who are well-dressed or well-groomed will be perceived as being of high quality or of greater value than those who are not
"Good clothes make impression."
"The well-dressed team immediately commanded respect, fine feathers make fine birds."
grace will last, (beauty|favor) will blast/ɡɹˈeɪs wɪl lˈæst bjˈuːɾi fˈeɪvɚ wɪl blˈæst/sentence
used to suggest that it is more important to develop inner qualities and virtues that will last, rather than relying solely on external beauty which is temporary
"Inner qualities are more important."
"Focus on developing lasting character, because external beauty will fade away quickly."
please your eye and plague your heart/plˈiːz jʊɹ ˈaɪ ænd plˈeɪɡ jʊɹ hˈɑːɹt/sentence
used to warn that pursuing things that seem desirable or attractive on the surface, such as relationships or material possessions, may ultimately lead to disappointment or pain
"Looks can be deceiving."
"That flashy car looked amazing, but it caused endless mechanical problems and regret."
there is many a good cock come out of a tattered bag/ðɛɹ ɪz mˈɛni ɐ ɡˈʊd kˈɑːk kˈʌm ˌaʊɾəv ɐ tˈæɾɚd bˈæɡ/sentence
used to imply that talented people may come from unexpected places or backgrounds, so it is important to recognize and appreciate their worth beyond external factors
"Talent from unexpected places."
"The quiet intern from a small town proved to be the most innovative problem-solver."
clothes make the man/klˈoʊðz mˌeɪk ðə mˈæn/sentence
used to suggest that the way a person dresses can have a significant impact on how they are perceived by others, and can even influence their own self-image
"Dress influences perception."
"His sharp suit and confident demeanor immediately commanded respect in the boardroom."
the cowl does not make the monk/ðə kˈaʊl dʌznˌɑːt mˌeɪk ðə mˈʌnk/sentence
used to say that a person's clothing or external appearance does not necessarily reflect their true character or identity
"Appearance doesn't define character."
"Despite his rough exterior, the man possessed a heart of gold and great kindness."
beauty draws with a single hair/bjˈuːɾi dɹˈɔːz wɪð ɐ sˈɪŋɡəl hˈɛɹ/sentence
used to say that the power of beauty, that goes beyond mere physical ability, is irresistibly alluring and immeasurable
"Beauty has a strong pull."
"Her captivating smile and elegant presence drew everyone's attention across the crowded room."
beauty is but a blossom/bjˈuːɾi ɪz bˌʌt ɐ blˈɔsəm/sentence
used to say that physical beauty is short-lived, just like a flower that withers and fades away quickly after blooming
"Beauty fades quickly."
"She understood that youthful looks were fleeting and focused on building lasting skills."
beauty is (of|) no inheritance/bjˈuːɾi ɪz ʌv nˈoʊ ɪnhˈɛɹɪtəns/sentence
used to say that physical beauty is not an inherited trait and is therefore not a reliable measure of a person's worth or value
"Beauty is not inherited."
"He knew that physical attractiveness was temporary and not something passed down through generations."
handsome is as handsome does/hˈændsʌm ɪz æz hˈændsʌm dˈʌz/sentence
used to convey that true beauty is not just about one's physical appearance but is also reflected in one's actions, behavior, and character
"Actions define a person."
"He may look charming, but his true character is revealed by how he treats others."
Learn all 17 words in this list with spaced repetition