en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "Beauty is only skin deep"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 29/09/2024, 21:31
English.me team member

What does it mean?

Beauty is only skin deep

The phrase "Beauty is only skin deep" means that a person's physical appearance does not reflect their character or personal qualities. True beauty is more than what is on the surface.

Tone

Advisory

Origin

The phrase first appeared in its current form in a work by Sir Thomas Overbury, published in 1613, which included the line, "All the carnall beawtie of my wife, Is but skin-deepe."

Examples of usage

  • She may be stunning to look at, but remember, beauty is only skin deep.
  • Although he is handsome, beauty is only skin deep; it's his kindness that truly sets him apart.

Recommended posts in Phrases

To err is human, to forgive divine

To err is human, to forgive divine

The phrase suggests that making mistakes is a natural human ... Learn more →

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt

This phrase advises that it is often wiser to say ... Learn more →

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

The phrase suggests that two parties can find common ground ... Learn more →

It's Greek to me

It's Greek to me

The phrase "It's Greek to me" means that something is ... Learn more →