Meaning
Don’t judge a book by its cover means that you shouldn’t make a decision about something (or someone) based solely on their appearance.
Similar words: Looks can be deceiving, All that glitters is not gold, It’s what’s inside that counts, Clothes don’t make the man, The cowl does not make the monk, Don’t just scratch the surface, Appearances are deceptive, Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.
Example
These cupcakes were store-bought but they’re delicious! I guess that saying, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover‘ was right.
This new fruit looks a bit strange, but don’t judge a book by its cover! You’ve gotta try it, it’s mouth-watering delicious.
I know this Christmas present looks a bit small, but don’t judge a book by its cover. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.
We have a few new employees that started today. But I’m not one to judge a book by its cover. I’m sure they are all pleasant people to work with.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they’re also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can’t learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
