What does “Fur coat and no knickers” mean?
"Fur coat and no knickers" means appearing to be wealthy or sophisticated on the outside, but lacking substance or authenticity underneath.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She may have a fur coat and no knickers, but she can't fool anyone with her fake designer handbag.
Example
Don't be fooled by his flashy car and expensive watch, he's just a fur coat and no knickers kind of guy.
Example
The restaurant may have a fancy exterior, but the food is nothing more than fur coat and no knickers
Is “Fur coat and no knickers” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“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 “Fur coat and no knickers” effectively in context?
You can use "Fur coat and no knickers" to describe someone or something that appears to be wealthy, sophisticated, or high-class on the surface, but lacks substance, authenticity, or true quality underneath. It emphasizes the idea of superficiality and pretense. For example, if someone is bragging about their expensive clothes and accessories, you might say, 'She may have a fur coat and no knickers, but she can't fool anyone with her fake designer handbag.'
- 1Appearance vs. Reality
Don't be fooled by his flashy car and expensive watch, he's just a fur coat and no knickers kind of guy.
- 2Deceptive Advertising
The restaurant may have a fancy exterior, but the food is nothing more than fur coat and no knickers.
- 3Materialistic Culture
In a society obsessed with appearances, many people are just putting on a fur coat and no knickers show.
Similar phrases to “Fur coat and no knickers”:
Smoke and mirrors
Deception or trickery used to hide the truth or create a false impression
Example
The company's financial statements were just smoke and mirrors.
Empty vessel
Someone who appears knowledgeable or important, but lacks substance or intelligence
Example
He talks a lot, but he's just an empty vessel.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fur coat and no knickers” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fur coat and no knickers" is unknown.
Is “Fur coat and no knickers” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Fur coat and no knickers" is not very common in everyday conversation, especially outside of certain regions or communities. It is more commonly used in British English.
What tone does “Fur coat and no knickers” have?
"Fur coat and no knickers" conveys a tone of criticism or skepticism. It is often used to express disappointment or disillusionment with people or things that appear impressive but fail to live up to expectations.
Can “Fur coat and no knickers” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Fur coat and no knickers" is informal and colloquial. It is not typically used in formal settings or professional contexts.
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, 'She may have a fur coat and no knickers, but she can't fool anyone with her fake designer handbag.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That restaurant is just fur coat and no knickers.' to imply that it lacks substance or quality.
