What does “All Fur Coat And No Knickers” mean?
"All Fur Coat And No Knickers" means someone who appears to be wealthy or important, but lacks substance or true value.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He may drive a fancy car, but he's all fur coat and no knickers when it comes to his finances.
Example
Don't be fooled by her designer clothes, she's all fur coat and no knickers when it comes to her knowledge on the subject.
Example
The company's flashy marketing campaign was just all fur coat and no knickers, as their product failed to deliver on its promises
Is “All Fur Coat And No Knickers” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All Fur Coat And No Knickers” 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 Fur Coat And No Knickers” effectively in context?
You can use "All Fur Coat And No Knickers" to describe someone who appears to be wealthy, important, or impressive on the surface, but lacks substance or true value. It emphasizes the idea that appearances can be deceiving. For example, if a friend boasts about their extravagant lifestyle but constantly borrows money, you might say, 'He may drive a fancy car, but he's all fur coat and no knickers when it comes to his finances.'
- 1Wealth and Status
Don't be fooled by her designer clothes, she's all fur coat and no knickers when it comes to her knowledge on the subject.
- 2Marketing and Advertising
The company's flashy marketing campaign was just all fur coat and no knickers, as their product failed to deliver on its promises.
- 3Personal Relationships
He may seem charming and successful, but he's all fur coat and no knickers when it comes to emotional support and commitment.
Similar phrases to “All Fur Coat And No Knickers”:
Empty barrel
Someone who makes a lot of noise or boasts, but has little substance or value
Example
His constant bragging about his achievements made him seem like an empty barrel.
Smoke and mirrors
Deceptive or misleading tactics used to create an illusion or hide the truth
Example
The company's financial reports were just smoke and mirrors, hiding their true financial situation.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All Fur Coat And No Knickers” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All Fur Coat And No Knickers" is unknown.
Is “All Fur Coat And No Knickers” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "All Fur Coat And No Knickers" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in British English and may not be familiar to everyone, especially non-native English speakers.
What tone does “All Fur Coat And No Knickers” have?
"All Fur Coat And No Knickers" conveys a tone of criticism or skepticism. It is often used to point out the discrepancy between someone's outward appearance and their actual qualities or abilities.
Can “All Fur Coat And No Knickers” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "All Fur Coat And No Knickers" is informal and may not be suitable for formal settings. It is more commonly used in casual conversations among friends or in informal writing.
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 his expensive watch, he's all fur coat and no knickers.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She's "all fur coat and no knickers"!' to imply that someone lacks substance or true value.
