beauty is (only|but) skin deep
1
used to imply that true beauty goes beyond superficial appearances and should be judged based on deeper qualities such as kindness, compassion, intelligence, and integrity
The proverb "beauty is only skin deep" originates from Sir Thomas Overbury's 1613 poem 'A Wife,' where he wrote, "All the carnall beauty of my wife, Is but skin deep." The proverb emphasizes that outward beauty is temporary, while inner beauty, including virtues like kindness and integrity, is far more enduring and meaningful. It serves as a reminder not to judge solely by appearance, but to look deeper into what defines a person.
- He may have been handsome, but that was not enough to make up for his lack of character.As they say, beauty is only skin deep.