proverb · Words worth keeping
There's a medium between painting the face and not washing it.
There's a medium between painting the face and not washing it.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Avoid turning a choice into two extremes when a reasonable middle course exists. Rejecting elaborate presentation does not require abandoning ordinary care.
Example
A team replaces an elaborate event brochure with a clear one-page notice rather than choosing between expensive design and no information at all.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The face supplies two contrasting images: added decoration and neglected washing. Between them lies a simpler form of care. Figuratively, someone may oppose an elaborate practice but still retain the useful ordinary task beneath it. The proverb exposes a false choice rather than settling how anyone should dress or use cosmetics. It should not shame a person whose circumstances affect personal care. Nor does every disagreement have a correct midpoint. The useful question asks whether the options have been described too narrowly and whether a suitable alternative preserves what matters without requiring either of the stated extremes.
When to use it
Use it when rejecting an elaborate option is being confused with abandoning the basic purpose.
Keep in mind
A middle option is not always right; this image should not police appearance or shame barriers to personal care.
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