don’t judge a book by its cover
don’t judge a book by its cover (idiom)
/ˌdoʊnt ˈʤʌdʒ ə bʊk baɪ ɪts ˈkʌvɚ/
The idiom “don’t judge a book by its cover” means outward appearances can be misleading, and the real value or character of someone or something may only be seen after closer examination. It warns against forming quick opinions based solely on looks.
Meaning
- Outward looks don’t reveal true character or quality.
- One should not judge the worth or value of something or someone solely by their appearance.
- Caution that first impressions may be misleading.
- Suggest that true value or nature is revealed only after deeper understanding.
- Warn that something plain or unattractive can still hold great worth.
- Avoid opinions based only on what’s visible without knowing the full context.
Synonyms: overlook appearances; be fair-minded; be objective; avoid bias; be open-minded
Example Sentences
- The café looks old, but don’t judge a book by its cover; it serves the best coffee in town.
- She looked shy, but don’t judge a book by its cover—she’s actually great company.
- He may look unfriendly, but don’t judge a book by its cover—he’s really kind.
- You can’t judge a book by its cover; that plain shop sells the most beautiful gifts.
- Never judge a book by its cover; the quietest person can surprise you the most.
Origin and History
Ancient Roots in Philosophy
While the modern phrase as we know it is relatively new, the core idea behind it is much older. The concept goes back to classical thought. Roman poet Juvenal (circa 1st–2nd century AD) conveyed a similar warning in his Satires, advising that people should not form judgments merely by appearances—a timeless idea attested by scholars.
Early Literary Echo: Arwaker (1708)
In 1708, Irish poet and cleric Edmund Arwaker—translator of Aesop—wrote in a verse collection:
“a Man is not to be judg’d of by his Out‑side, any more than a Book by its Title‑Page.”
This anticipates the metaphor of equating a person’s outer appearance with a book’s cover.
19th‑Century American Usage
From the 1820s to the 1840s, U.S. newspapers featured variations such as “judge a book by its covering” or “judge by the outside,” cautioning against superficial evaluation. By 1849, the phrase appeared as a headline: “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover,” showing increased familiarity.
Literary Adoption in the 19th Century
In 1860, George Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss included the line:
“one mustn’t judge by the outside.”
This reflects literary acceptance of the metaphor, even before the modern phrasing became standard.
Modern Phrase Emergence (20th Century)
The exact wording we use today appeared in a 1946 mystery novel, Murder in the Glass Room, featuring the line “You can never tell a book by its cover.” This phrasing helped solidify the idiom in common English usage.
American Origins & Cultural Spread
Although its philosophical roots are ancient and cross-cultural, the idiom’s evolution into its current phrasing and widespread popularity emerged through American publications—newspapers in the 19th century and novels by mid‑20th century—marking the phrase as primarily American in its modern form.
Variants
- never judge a book by its cover
- can’t judge a book by its cover
- don’t judge people by appearances
Similar Idioms
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