What does “Handsome is that handsome does.” mean?
"Handsome is that handsome does" means that true beauty comes from a person's actions and character, rather than just their physical appearance.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Don't judge a book by its cover. Handsome is that handsome does. It's what's on the inside that counts.
Example
She may not be conventionally attractive, but her kindness and generosity make her truly beautiful. Handsome is that handsome does.
Example
He may not be the most good-looking person, but his hard work and dedication make him incredibly attractive. *Handsome is that handsome does.
Is “Handsome is that handsome does.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Handsome is that handsome does.” 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 “Handsome is that handsome does.” effectively in context?
You can use "Handsome is that handsome does" to emphasize the importance of a person's actions and character over their physical appearance. It suggests that true beauty lies in one's behavior and how they treat others. For example, if someone is judging another person solely based on their looks, you might say, 'Don't judge a book by its cover. "Handsome is that handsome does." It's what's on the inside that counts.'
- 1Appearance vs. Character
She may not be conventionally attractive, but her kindness and generosity make her truly beautiful. Handsome is that handsome does.
- 2Hard Work and Dedication
He may not be the most good-looking person, but his hard work and dedication make him incredibly attractive. Handsome is that handsome does.
- 3Judging Others
Don't judge a book by its cover. Handsome is that handsome does. It's what's on the inside that counts.
Similar phrases to “Handsome is that handsome does.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Handsome is that handsome does.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Handsome is that handsome does" is unknown.
Is “Handsome is that handsome does.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Handsome is that handsome does" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is an older proverb that may not be familiar to everyone, especially beginner ESL students.
What tone does “Handsome is that handsome does.” have?
"Handsome is that handsome does" conveys a tone of wisdom and emphasizes the importance of character and actions. It encourages people to look beyond superficial appearances and focus on inner qualities.
Can “Handsome is that handsome does.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Handsome is that handsome does" is more formal in nature and may not be commonly used in informal conversations. It can be used in discussions about values, character, or when discussing the importance of looking beyond physical appearances.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Handsome is that handsome does" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "handsome is that handsome does"!' to remind someone about the importance of character.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- character is what counts
- true beauty comes from within
- it's what's on the inside that matters
- actions define a person
- inner beauty shines through
Antonyms
- looks are everything
- beauty is all that matters
- physical appearance defines a person
- actions don't matter
- outer beauty is the most important
