What does “Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth” mean?
"Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth" means that someone appears innocent or harmless, despite actually being devious or mischievous.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He may look sweet, but butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
Example
She acts all innocent, but butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.
Example
Don't be fooled by his angelic face, butter wouldn't melt in his mouth
Is “Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth” 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 “Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth” effectively in context?
You can use "Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth" to describe someone who appears innocent or harmless on the surface, but is actually devious or mischievous. It's often used in a sarcastic or ironic manner. For example, if someone is pretending to be innocent after playing a prank, you might say, 'Oh, look at them, butter wouldn't melt in their mouth.'
- 1Deceptive Behavior
He may look sweet, but butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
- 2Appearances Can Be Deceiving
She acts all innocent, but butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.
- 3Warning Against Trusting Appearances
Don't be fooled by his angelic face, butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
Similar phrases to “Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth”:
Two-faced
Someone who acts one way in front of others, but behaves differently behind their backs
Example
I thought she was my friend, but she turned out to be two-faced.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth" is unknown.
Is “Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It's often used to convey the idea that someone may seem innocent or harmless, but they are actually deceitful or mischievous.
What tone does “Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth” have?
"Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth" conveys a tone of sarcasm or irony. It's used to highlight the contrast between someone's innocent appearance and their true nature.
Can “Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "butter wouldn't melt in their mouth" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it's more commonly used in informal conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. In formal situations, it may be used to add a touch of humor or irony.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She may seem innocent, but butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oh, butter wouldn't melt in their mouth!' to imply that someone is being deceptive.