What does “All are not saints that go to church.” mean?

"All are not saints that go to church" means that going to church doesn't necessarily make someone a saintly or virtuous person. The proverb emphasizes the importance of personal behavior and character over outward displays of piety or religiosity.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Just because someone attends church regularly doesn't mean they are a good person. All are not saints that go to church. It's their actions that truly define them.

Example

Remember, all are not saints that go to church. It's not enough to just show up on Sundays, one must also live a virtuous life.

Example

Don't be fooled by appearances. All are not saints that go to church. True goodness comes from within, not from religious rituals

Is “All are not saints that go to church.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“All are not saints that go to church.” 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 “All are not saints that go to church.” effectively in context?

You can use "All are not saints that go to church" to remind someone that attending religious services does not automatically make them a good or virtuous person. It emphasizes the importance of personal behavior and character over outward displays of piety or religiosity. For example, if someone is praising a person solely based on their religious affiliation, you might say, 'Remember, all are not saints that go to church. It's their actions that truly define them.'

1Judging Others
Just because someone attends church regularly doesn't mean they are a good person. All are not saints that go to church. It's their actions that truly define them.
2Personal Integrity
Remember, all are not saints that go to church. It's not enough to just show up on Sundays, one must also live a virtuous life.
3Seeing Beyond Appearances
Don't be fooled by appearances. All are not saints that go to church. True goodness comes from within, not from religious rituals.

Similar phrases to “All are not saints that go to church.”:

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more important than what they say

Example

He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.

Don't judge a book by its cover

Do not form an opinion about someone or something based solely on appearances

Example

She may seem quiet, but don't judge a book by its cover. She's actually very talented.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating

The true value or quality of something can only be judged by trying or experiencing it

Example

He claims his product is the best, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “All are not saints that go to church.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "All are not saints that go to church" is unknown.

Is “All are not saints that go to church.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "All are not saints that go to church" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still known and understood by many English speakers.

What tone does “All are not saints that go to church.” have?

"All are not saints that go to church" conveys a tone of caution and skepticism. It encourages critical thinking and reminds people not to judge others solely based on their religious affiliations or outward displays of piety.

Can “All are not saints that go to church.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "All are not saints that go to church" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that conveys a timeless message about the importance of personal character. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, discussions, or written essays.

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, 'Just because someone goes to church doesn't mean they are a good person. "All are not saints that go to church."' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying '"All are not saints that go to church"' to imply that appearances can be deceiving.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

appearances can be deceiving
not all that glitters is gold
hypocrites abound
virtue is not measured by attendance
character is not defined by rituals

Antonyms

actions match words
a saint in church, a saint outside
piety reflects character
religious devotion equals virtue