You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Meaning: Don’t decide what someone or something is like only from how it looks.
“You can’t judge a book by its cover” means you shouldn’t form opinions based on looks alone. A plain-looking book might have an amazing story inside—and the same goes for people or things. Just because something doesn’t look exciting at first doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. This proverb teaches us to look deeper and stay open-minded, because appearances can be misleading.
How to use it
People use it about people, places, food and products that look plain or strange but turn out to be good, or the other way around. It’s neutral and very common. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is just as common, and it’s used as advice.
Examples
- The restaurant looks old, but the food is amazing. You can’t judge a book by its cover.
- He seemed quiet in the interview, but he’s our best salesperson. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
- I almost didn’t apply because the office looked boring, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.
A common mistake
Say by its cover, not “from its cover” or “by it’s cover.” “Its” has no apostrophe here because it shows possession.
Say it out loud
Tabbi Daily gives you one short lesson like this every day. Listen, record yourself and hear how you sound. Free, no account needed.
Source: Paper Lantern Writers