A handsome shoe often pinches the foot.
A handsome shoe often pinches the foot.
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes a handsome shoe pinch its wearer. It contrasts an attractive appearance with discomfort in actual use.
Example
Someone checks whether an attractive option meets their needs instead of choosing it solely for its presentation.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The shoe gives suitability a concrete test. The supplied gloss about sweeter rewards through pain does not follow this contrast. A useful application asks whether an appealing choice fits its purpose rather than treating suffering as proof that the choice is good.
When to use it
Use it to discuss appearance and practical suitability.
Keep in mind
An attractive option is not necessarily unsuitable, and pain is not proof of value.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 503; PDF page 74
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
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