What does “A fair face may hide a foul heart.” mean?
"A fair face may hide a foul heart" means that someone who appears outwardly attractive or pleasant may be deceitful or malicious on the inside. The proverb suggests that appearances can be deceiving and that it is important to look beyond outward appearances to truly understand a person’s character.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She may seem friendly and kind, but a fair face may hide a foul heart. Don't be fooled by her appearance.
Example
He may have a charming smile, but a fair face may hide a foul heart. Be cautious when dealing with him.
Example
Remember, a fair face may hide a foul heart. Don't judge someone solely based on their looks
Is “A fair face may hide a foul heart.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A fair face may hide a foul heart.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A fair face may hide a foul heart.” effectively in context?
You can use "A fair face may hide a foul heart" to caution someone about judging others solely based on their outward appearance. It emphasizes the idea that someone who appears attractive or pleasant on the outside may have negative intentions or be deceitful on the inside. For instance, if a friend is trusting someone new, you might say, 'Be careful, a fair face may hide a foul heart. Take your time to get to know them before fully trusting them.'
- 1Friendship
She may seem friendly and kind, but a fair face may hide a foul heart. Don't be fooled by her appearance.
- 2Business
He may have a charming smile, but a fair face may hide a foul heart. Be cautious when dealing with him.
- 3Judgment
Remember, a fair face may hide a foul heart. Don't judge someone solely based on their looks.
Similar phrases to “A fair face may hide a foul heart.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A fair face may hide a foul heart.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A fair face may hide a foul heart" is unknown.
Is “A fair face may hide a foul heart.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "A fair face may hide a foul heart" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still used occasionally to remind people to look beyond appearances and consider a person's true character.
What tone does “A fair face may hide a foul heart.” have?
"A fair face may hide a foul heart" conveys a tone of caution and skepticism. It warns against making judgments based solely on outward appearances and encourages people to be discerning and thoughtful in their interactions.
Can “A fair face may hide a foul heart.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "A fair face may hide a foul heart" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that conveys a timeless message about human nature. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't be fooled by her appearance, a fair face may hide a foul heart.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "a fair face may hide a foul heart"!' to imply the importance of looking beyond appearances.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- beauty is only skin deep
- pretty is as pretty does
- looks can be deceiving
- appearances can be misleading
- the mask hides the true face
Antonyms
- honesty is the best policy
- beauty is truth
- what you see is what you get
- actions match the words
- the true self shines through
