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You can't tell a book by its cover Meaning in English

expression

YOO KANT TEL uh BUUK BY its KUH-ver
YOO KAHNT TEL uh BUK BY its KUH-vuh

Definition

This expression means you should not judge someone or something just by their appearance; what's inside or underneath may be very different from what you see outside.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal proverb, often used to remind people not to make quick judgments based on looks. It can describe people, objects, or situations. Sometimes shortened to 'don't judge a book by its cover'.

Spanish: no puedes juzgar un libro por su portada - las apariencias engañanPortuguese (BR): não julgue o livro pela capaPortuguese (PT): não julgues um livro pela capaChinese (Simplified): 人不可貌相 - 不能以貌取人Chinese (Traditional): 人不可貌相 - 不能以貌取人Hindi: किसी किताब को उसके कवर से नहीं आँक सकते - दिखावे पर मत जाओArabic: لا يمكنك الحكم على الكتاب من غلافه - المظاهر خداعةBengali: মলাট দেখে বইয়ের বিচার করা যায় নাRussian: встречают по одёжке, провожают по умуJapanese: 見た目で判断してはいけないVietnamese: đừng đánh giá một cuốn sách qua bìa của nóKorean: 겉모습만 보고 판단하지 마라Turkish: bir kitabı kapağından yargılayamazsınUrdu: کسی کتاب کو اس کے سرورق سے مت پرکھوIndonesian: jangan menilai buku dari sampulnya

Example Sentences

Remember, you can't tell a book by its cover when meeting new people.

basic

You can't tell a book by its cover—that old house is beautiful inside.

basic

Many say you can't tell a book by its cover about food too.

basic

She might seem quiet, but you can't tell a book by its cover—she's actually really funny.

natural

I know it doesn't look like much, but you can't tell a book by its cover—this restaurant has the best food in town!

natural

People always say you can't tell a book by its cover, especially after being surprised by someone's true character.

natural