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[1122] Can't judge a book by its cover

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Shouldn't form an opinion about someone/something based only on outward appearance.
  • True value or character is often hidden.

Origin

  • Literal meaning: book cover design doesn't guarantee content quality.
  • Appeared mid-19th century (e.g., George Eliot's *The Mill on the Floss*, phrased differently).
  • Popularized in the 20th century.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Appearances can be deceiving
  • Don't judge by appearances
  • There's more than meets the eye
  • Still waters run deep (quiet person has hidden depths)
  • All that glitters is not gold (attractive things aren't always valuable)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Don't get it twisted. (Don't misunderstand or misjudge)
  • Looks ain't everything.

Milder/Standard:

  • Don't rely on first impressions.
  • Look beyond the surface.
  • Substance over style. (Prioritizing inner value over outer appearance)

Situational Appropriateness

  • Very common; appropriate in almost all situations, informal to formal. Conveys accepted value.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Very straightforward; literal meaning closely matches figurative one.

Examples

  • He looks a bit rough, but he's actually very kind – you can't judge a book by its cover.
  • The restaurant doesn't look fancy, but the food is amazing. You really can't judge a book by its cover.

Dialogue

Alex: I'm not sure about hiring him. His suit looked cheap and he seemed nervous.

Maria: Well, his resume is outstanding and he came highly recommended. Remember, you can't judge a book by its cover. Let's see how he does in the skills test.

Alex: You're right. I shouldn't let appearances sway me too much.

Social Media Examples

  • Inspirational Quote Post: Friendly reminder: You can't judge a book by its cover. Be kind and open-minded. ❤️ #QuoteOfTheDay #Wisdom #Kindness
  • Comment on Makeover Show Clip: Wow! What a transformation! Really shows you can't judge a book by its cover. #Makeover #InnerBeauty
  • Product Review: The packaging looked cheap, so I wasn't expecting much, but this gadget works perfectly! Can't judge a book by its cover. #Review #Surprise

Response Patterns

  • Typically agreement or acknowledgement of wisdom.
  • That's true.
  • You're right.
  • I know, I shouldn't have assumed.
  • Sometimes followed by an example supporting the idiom.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • Listener might reconsider initial judgment or ask about hidden qualities: Oh really? What's he like then?
  • Speaker might elaborate on why appearance is misleading.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • Usually a response to judgment based on appearance, or general wisdom offered mid-conversation.

Intonation

  • Emphasis on judge, book, and cover. You CAN'T JUDGE a BOOK by its COVER.
  • Usually said wisely, as a reminder or advice.

Generation Differences

  • Universally understood and used across generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Call it a day
🎲 Chase rainbows