Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover | Meaning, Useful Examples & Synonyms

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Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover! What does this idiom mean? How to use this expression in English sentences and alternative ways to express this phrase with ESL infographic.

“Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover” Meaning

What Does “Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover” Mean?

This idiom means that do not make assumptions about the contents of a book because you dislike its cover.

This is a common English idiom and a metaphorical phrase that means one should not prejudge an opinion, characteristics or the true value of someone or something just by seeing what’s on the surface or by assessing superficial details alone; because after taking a deeper look, the person or thing may be very different than what was expected.

Example Sentences

• That man may look very small and insignificant, but don’t judge a book by its cover – he’s a very powerful man in his circle.
• I’m glad I didn’t judge a book by its cover, or I never would have married him!”
• She seems a bit jerk to me, but, hey, you never know. She may be good. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
• Do you know that John looked very poor but actually he was very rich. You can’t judge a book by its cover. 

Other Ways to Say/Synonyms

Here is the list of synonyms for the proverb “don’t judge a book by its cover”:

• Appearances are often misleading.
• All that is gold does not glitter.
• Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.
• Looks are deceiving.
• One sees clearly only with the heart.
• Don’t just scratch the surface.
• Things aren’t always as they seem.
• Looks aren’t everything.
• Beauty is only skin deep.
• What really matters is invisible to the eyes.
• Don’t be shallow.
• Don’t just look at the surface.
• Things aren’t always what/as they seem.

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover | Infographic