proverb · Words worth keeping
A fair face may hide a foul heart.
A fair face may hide a foul heart.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
An attractive appearance does not establish good intentions or conduct. Judge the relevant behaviour rather than assuming that someone is trustworthy because they look appealing.
Example
A club member checks how a prospective organiser has handled shared responsibilities instead of taking a polished photograph as proof of reliability.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The fair face supplies a pleasing outward impression, while the foul heart represents intentions or character that the appearance does not disclose. May is important: the proverb allows for a mismatch without saying that attractive people are especially dishonest. It warns about the inference from looks to goodness, not about beauty itself. An appearance can be genuine without answering a question about reliability. The useful response looks for relevant conduct, consistency and clear arrangements before making a judgement. Reversing the prejudice would be equally mistaken: an unappealing impression is not evidence of bad character either, and suspicion still needs a concrete basis.
When to use it
Use it when attractiveness is being mistaken for evidence of trustworthy conduct.
Keep in mind
Do not infer dishonesty from attractiveness or goodness from its absence; assess actual behaviour.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English