What does “Fair without, foul (false) within.” mean?
"Fair without, foul (false) within" means that someone may appear outwardly attractive or appealing, but their true nature or intentions may be unpleasant or deceitful.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He may seem charming and friendly, but fair without, foul (false) within. Don't trust him too easily.
Example
She puts on a sweet and innocent facade, but fair without, foul (false) within. Be cautious when dealing with her.
Example
Don't be fooled by his good looks and smooth talk. Fair without, foul (false) within. He's not as genuine as he seems
Is “Fair without, foul (false) within.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Fair without, foul (false) within.” 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 “Fair without, foul (false) within.” effectively in context?
You can use "Fair without, foul (false) within." to describe someone who appears attractive or appealing on the outside, but their true nature or intentions are unpleasant or deceitful. It serves as a warning to be cautious and not judge solely based on appearances. For example, if a friend introduces you to someone who seems charming and friendly, but you have doubts about their sincerity, you might say, 'He may seem nice, but fair without, foul within. Don't trust him too easily.'
- 1Friendships
She puts on a sweet and innocent facade, but fair without, foul within. Be cautious when dealing with her.
- 2Romantic Relationships
Don't be fooled by his good looks and smooth talk. Fair without, foul within. He's not as genuine as he seems.
- 3Professional Relationships
Be careful when partnering with him. Fair without, foul within. His true intentions may not align with yours.
Similar phrases to “Fair without, foul (false) within.”:
The way something or someone looks can be misleading or not reflective of the truth.
Example
Don't judge a book by its cover. Appearances can be deceiving.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fair without, foul (false) within.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fair without, foul (false) within." is unknown.
Is “Fair without, foul (false) within.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Fair without, foul (false) within." is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often found in literature or formal discussions about character analysis.
What tone does “Fair without, foul (false) within.” have?
"Fair without, foul (false) within." conveys a tone of caution and skepticism. It warns against making judgments based solely on appearances and encourages people to look beyond the surface.
Can “Fair without, foul (false) within.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Fair without, foul (false) within." is more formal in nature. It is not commonly used in casual conversations but may be encountered in written works or formal discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't be deceived by her charming smile. She may be fair without, foul within.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Fair without, foul within.' to imply that someone's true nature is not as it appears.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- superficially attractive, inwardly deceitful
- outwardly appealing, secretly unpleasant
- pleasant on the surface, treacherous underneath
- beautiful outside, ugly inside
- charming facade, hidden malice
Antonyms
- genuine inside and out
- true to one's appearance
- authentic both inside and outside
- honest through and through
- transparent and trustworthy