Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover Essay

500 words essay on don’t judge a book by its cover.

Often in life, you must have heard, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. The phrase is self-explanatory and has a deep meaning behind it. It means that we must not underestimate anyone based on their looks. In fact, the deeds and characters of the person matter the most. Thus, don’t judge a book by its cover essay will help us understand its meaning.

don't judge a book by its cover essay

Why Should We Never Judge a Book by Its Cover

There are many reasons why we must never judge a book by its cover. This first one is that you know nothing about someone just by their outward appearance. It should never be the judge of someone’s character.

For instance, if you look at a good-looking person, you can only see their skin colour, physical traits, and maybe fashion. But what about beyond that? You cannot solely make up your mind on their outward appearance.

What if the good-looking person turns out to be horrible in nature? What if they lack any real talent or skill? Thus, you see how outward appearances can be misleading. They are basically valueless things so never judge someone on their face value.

On the other hand, something which may not possess beautiful features may have much more value than something beautiful. In other words, the appearance of someone is not equivalent to their worth. Thus, we must judge the person on the basis of their personality and capabilities and not merely external appearance.

To help you understand the phrase better, let us take a look at a story with the same moral. Once, there was a woman who was going on a train journey but forgets her wallet at home. While waiting for the train, she goes to a restaurant.

With the little change she has left, she orders the cheapest meal, a plate of rice and goes to the washroom. Upon returning, she notices a shabbily-dressed man sitting on the table eating from the plate of rice.

This infuriates her thinking he stole her plate but she does not say anything. She starts to eat from the same plate out of spite. The man gets up and leaves. However, soon the lady realizes that she left her belongings on another table.

That table had her plate of rice kept untouched and she realizes she was eating from that man’s plate but he did not say anything to her. Thus, she realizes how she judged him for being a thief because of his clothing when in reality, she was eating from his plate.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of  Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover Essay

To conclude, it is not right to assess people on the basis of their appearance. Some people take a look at the cover of a book and feel that the designer colour and fancy text may mean it is better than a plain book. However, that does not happen, the inside of the book maybe not what you expected, so never judge a book or person by its cover.

FAQ of Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover Essay

Question 1: Why you should not judge a book by its cover?

Answer 1: We must never judge a book by its cover as looks can be deceptive. Forming opinions solely on the basis of seeing the surface is wrong. It is because after taking a deeper look can we understand what the other person is.

Question 2: Who first said Don’t judge a book by its cover?

Answer 2: This phrase attributes to a 1944 edition of the African Journal American Speech which said ‘You can’t judge a book by its binding’. It went on to gain more popularity in the 1946 murder mystery ‘Murder in the Glass Room’ which stated ‘You can never tell a book by its cover.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

tutor

  • Travelling Essay
  • Picnic Essay
  • Our Country Essay
  • My Parents Essay
  • Essay on Favourite Personality
  • Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
  • Essay on Knowledge is Power
  • Essay on Gurpurab
  • Essay on My Favourite Season
  • Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Google Play

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover': Definition, Meaning and Examples

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Have you heard someone say, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover?’ Are you wondering what that means? Below, we’ll give you the definition and meaning, plus provide examples of how to use the phrase in a sentence correctly.

  • ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ means you shouldn’t judge something or someone based on outward appearance.

Essentially, it means that you shouldn’t judge people or things prematurely (before you meet them or before giving them a chance).

What Does ‘Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover’ Mean?

‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ is a common American proverb that means you should give someone or something a chance before you make up your mind about them/it.

  • You might hear someone say this when they’re trying to convince someone to do something.

For example, if you want your friend to come with you to an event they’ve never been to, but they’re being judgmental and making negative comments about it, you might tell them:

'Don’t judge a book by its cover. You never know. It could turn out to be more fun than you thought.'

The phrase is essentially a way to tell someone to be more open-minded about something or someone .

For example, if your mom hasn’t met your fiancé yet, you might tell her beforehand:

'Okay, mom. Be nice. Don’t judge a book by its cover. He’s a little rough around the edges.'  

In the movie, The Devil Wears Prada; Andy  is often judged by her cover , so to speak.

The women in her world gawk at her attire throughout the first half of the movie, making her feel less than . You really feel for Andy as she struggles to navigate her first job in the fashion world.

Now that books get made into movies so often, you might also see the phrase:

'Never judge a book by its movie.'

It’s basically telling you not to judge the book by the movie because everyone knows the book is always better.

Where Does ‘Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover’ Come From?

The phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ comes from a 1944 edition of the African Journal of American Speech.

The first occurrence of the phrase reads :

You can’t judge a book by its binding.

The phrase became more popular when it appeared in the 1946 murder mystery novel , Murder in the Glass Room by Lester Fuller and Edwin Rolfe.

You can never tell a book by its cover.

However , other sources say that it appeared as early as 1860 in George Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss .

The passage containing the phrase reads:

‘The History of the Devil’ by Daniel Defoe; not quite the right book for a little girl,” said Mr. Riley, “How came it among your books, Tulliver?” Maggie looked hurt and discouraged, while her father said, “Why, it’s one o’ the books I bought at Partridge’s sale. They was all bound alike, it’s a good binding, you see, and I thought they’d be all good books. There’s Jeremy Taylor’s ‘Holy Living and Dying’ among ’em ; I read in it often of a Sunday.” (Mr. Tulliver felt somehow a familiarity with that great writer because his name was Jeremy); “and there ‘s a lot more of ’em, sermons mostly, I think ; but they ‘ve all got the same covers, and I thought they were all o’ one sample, as you may say. But it seems one mustn’t judge by th’ outside. This is a puzzlin’ world.

Examples of ‘Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover’ in Sentences

How would you use ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ in a sentence?

Let’s see some examples:

  • I’m afraid to go on a date with this guy because his photos on the dating app make him look boring. But I guess I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover , should I?
  • I don’t have any reason not to like you. I’m not the type of person to judge a book by its cover, so there must have been some kind of miscommunication at some point. I have no problems with you.
  • I have a huge issue with judging books by their covers , literally. If a book doesn’t have a beautiful cover, I won’t pick it up. I’ll skip right over it and find the next pretty book.
  • My niece made a mean comment about a homeless man. So, I told her, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover . You never know what he went through to end up there.’
  • When we got a new teacher in the middle of the year, she looked a little crazy. Her hair was wild like Einstein’s. She asked us not to judge a book by its cover with her.
  • I chose not to comment on my best friend’s sister’s outfit when I first met her. I tried to be nice and avoid judging a book by its cover.
  • When we started making fun of an old guy at the park one day, a young woman scolded us and said, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover, boys. It’s not nice.’
  • I ended up going to the book signing anyway , but the author speaking sounded like he was speaking gibberish. I almost wrote the whole event off and left, but I decided not to judge a book by its cover.

Other Ways to Say ‘Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover’

What other words or phrases convey the same meaning as ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’?

  • Clothes don’t make the man
  • The cowl does not make the work
  • All that glitters is not gold
  • Looks can be deceiving
  • Beauty is only skin deep
  • Appearances are often misleading
  • Don’t be so judgmental
  • Give things a chance before you write them off
  • Be more understanding
  • Try to be more tolerant
  • Try to be open
  • Don’t be prejudiced
  • Be open-minded
  • Try not to be so critical
  • Don’t be so cynical
  • Don’t be so biased
  • Try to be more accepting
  • Don’t discriminate

Concluding Advice on ‘Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover’

To recap, we learned the following:

Remember, it means that you shouldn’t judge people or things prematurely (before you meet them or before giving them a chance).

If you ever forget any of this, you can always come back to review what you learned. We’ve got an entire library of content on other idioms that you might find helpful as you’re studying the language. Go check it out anytime.

Learn More:

  • ‘The Whole Nine Yards’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘On Second Thought’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Throw Caution To The Wind’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Once in A Blue Moon’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Take It With A Grain of Salt’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Play Devil's Advocate’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘No Pain No Gain’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Birds of a Feather Flock Together’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • 'Hot as Hell': Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Early Bird Gets the Worm’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Let the Cat Out of The Bag’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘Curiosity Killed the Cat’: Definition, Meaning and Examples
  • ‘On Thin Ice’: Definition, Meaning and Examples

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook . Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

Add new comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover - Meaning, Origin and Usage

Are you looking for a way to tell someone to reserve their first impression of someone or something? If so, you could use the phrase " don't judge a book by its cover ." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.

The meaning of the expression " don't judge a book by its cover " refers to holding back on formulating your impression of someone after meeting them for the first time.

The phrase means that you shouldn't judge someone's character by their appearance but rather by their actions.

Example Usage

"I know people tell me not to judge a book by its cover, but that guy over there looks like a real piece of human garbage."

"That guy seemed pretty self-absorbed when I met him, but I guess I shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

"Don't judge a book by its cover; you never know what the person is like until you spend some time with them."

"I know your cousin seems like a bit of a hard head. Don't judge a book by its cover. Give it some time, and I'm sure you will be the best of friends."

"I started watching that series on Netflix last night. It was pretty slow and boring. I suppose I shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Maybe I'll give the second episode a go tonight."

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

The origin of the expression “don’t judge a book by its cover” comes from George Eliot’s “The Mill on the Floss,” published in 1860. The phrase is not the modern version, but it lays the groundwork for the idiom.

In the novel, the character of Mr. Tulliver uses it when discussing “The History of the Devil” by Daniel Defoe.

“and there‘s a lot more of ’em, sermons mostly, I think, but they‘ve all got the same covers, and I thought they were all o’ one sample, as you may say. But it seems one mustn’t judge by th’ outside. This is a puzzlin’ world.”

The modern version of the phrase first appears in “Murder in the Glass Room,” a 1946 murder mystery written by Edwin Rolfe and Lester Fuller. The term appears as the following in the book.

“You can never tell a book by its cover.”

Phrases Similar to Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

  • Appearances are often misleading.
  • Looks are deceiving.

Phrases Opposite to Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

  • Take it at face value.
  • First impressions count.

What is the Correct Saying?

  • Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Ways People May Say It Incorrectly

The phrase "never judge a book by its cover" does not refer to the physical condition of books or the images on hardcover book sleeves. It's a way of telling someone not to judge someone else by their first impression.

Acceptable Ways to Phrase It

You can use the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" in social and professional settings. The expression can describe people or objects, and it tells people to reserve their judgment from their first impression.

For instance, the HR manager could feel unimpressed by a candidate. However, the retail manager tells them not to judge a book by its cover because they think they have talent. Your friend could tell you not to judge a book by its cover when you meet someone new for the first time.

The saying can apply to negative and positive connotations. For instance, you could say, "never judge a book by its cover" because you don't know if the person is s serial killer or a genuine character.

Related posts:

  • How to Write a Letter to a Judge (with Tips & Examples)
  • How to Write a Book Title in an Essay (MLA, APA etc.)
  • How to Write a Clear Theme Statement (with Examples)
  • If at First You Don't Succeed Try Try Again – Meaning, Origin and Usage
  • How to Write an Autobiography (with Tips & Examples)
  • Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth - Meaning, Origin and Usage

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

What Does Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover Mean?

mm

You’ve no doubt heard this very common saying before, perhaps from your parents when you were younger, as it conveys an important lesson—one not actually, or at least not exclusively, about books, as you might guess. Read on to discover the meaning of the idiomatic expression don’t judge a book by its cover .

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Your writing, at its best

Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant

The phrase don’t judge a book by its cover means that you shouldn’t make a judgement about someone or something—be it a book or otherwise—based solely on their or its outward appearance. After all, a cover of a book may be boring, just plain without an image or illustration, yet its pages be filled with highly entertaining characters and stories. If you were to only consider its cover and decide to pass it by, based on first impressions without a deeper look, you’d miss out on a great read. Just as a person may look absolutely beautiful or handsome on the surface but be uncaring and unkind. If you were to form an opinion of them just on their visible qualities, you’d be wrong about their true character. In other words, you shouldn’t make a superficial judgement about someone or something, because it’s impossible to know a person or thing’s value or true nature based on appearances.

Here are a few example sentences using the expression don’t judge a book by its cover :

  • I fell in love with a house after seeing a few photos of it from the outside. It was beautiful with a lovely landscaped yard. Because the market is so competitive, I was tempted to put in an offer without seeing more photos or seeing it in person. But I’m glad I didn’t. As they say, you can’t judge a book by its cover: The inside wasn’t cared for at all; every room needed work. 
  • In today’s world of online dating, it can be tempting to just consider looks. But I told my single friend, “Don’t judge a book by its cover. You don’t want to miss out on a smart, funny, and genuinely good person just because they don’t look like a model.” 
  • My husband warned me, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” When we pulled up to the bed and breakfast, it looked old and dilapidated. The paint on the exterior was peeling, and the porch was missing its railings. But inside, the rooms were so beautifully decorated and sparkling clean.
  • The new kid at school came off quiet and shy, so my friends didn’t want to hang out with him. But I told them don’t judge a book by its cover, and I was right: He wasn’t shy at all and was actually really outgoing once I got to know him. 
  • My coworker is short and slight, often giving the impression he’s a pushover. But don’t judge a book by its cover; he’s a truly strong and powerful man.

You’ll also often hear or see this expression as you can’t judge a book by its cover . Other variations include you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover and never judge a book by its cover .

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

The Origin of the Expression

The saying’s origins aren’t entirely clear. It’s thought to have originated with George Eliot’s 1860 novel The Mill on the Floss. In it, the characters Mr. Riley and Mr. Tulliver are discussing a book Mr. Tulliver’s daughter, Maggie, is reading called The History of the Devil . Mr. Riley is surprised Mr. Tulliver is letting her read it, but Mr. Tulliver explains he only bought it for the cover and didn’t know what it was about. Mr. Tulliver says: 

“But they’ve all got the same covers, and I thought they were all o’ one sample, as you may say. But it seems one mustn’t judge by th’ outside. This is a puzzlin’ world.”

As you can see, it’s not the phrase exactly, although the sentiment is very much the same. Despite this, George Eliot is often attributed as saying don’t judge a book by its cover . The phrase appears as we know and use it today just a little while later, in 1867, in an article in the newspaper Piqua Democrat :

“Don’t judge a book by its cover, see a man by his cloth, as there is often a good deal of solid worth and superior skill underneath a jacket and yaller pants.” Clearly, the phrase started catching on around that time. The 1940s murder-mystery Murder in the Glass Room by Edwin Rolfe and Lester Fuller features the variant “you can never tell a book by its cover.” The phrase has remained a popular expression to this day.

Understanding Idioms

As mentioned earlier, the saying don’t judge a book by its cover is an idiom. An idiom is an expression with an intended meaning that typically can’t fully be understood just by looking at the individual words that comprise it. Even if you’ve never heard the term idiom , you have most likely heard many idiomatic expressions. Here are just a few of the most common idioms used today:

You’re in hot water. His boss gave him the ax. It’s time to face the music. You’ve hit the nail on the head. If you took the first example literally, you’d think it was describing a person standing in a bathtub full of hot water, perhaps. But the expression is actually used to describe a person who’s in trouble. Likewise, rather than literally being handed a tool for chopping wood, if you get the ax from your boss, it means you’re getting fired. It’s time to face the music means that it’s time to come to terms with the consequences of your actions. And when someone has hit the nail on the head, they’ve gotten an answer exactly right or done something exactly as it should have been done. This idiomatic expression is a little different from others, in that you can understand at least a portion of its meaning just by taking it at face value. Yes, it does mean that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover: It may have an ugly cover but be a wonderful book, or it may have an interesting and intriguing cover but be a boring and dull read. But you now know it’s typically used, as idioms are, figuratively, to apply to all types of things and to people as well. The metaphorical phrase means that you can’t tell a thing’s value or a person’s characteristics and qualities just by outside appearance alone. There are a variety of sayings with a very similar meaning to don’t judge a book by its cover . For example, looks can be deceiving , things aren’t always what they seem , and the idiom and proverb all that glitters is not gold . Discover many more idioms and proverbs here .

The common saying and English idiom don’t judge a book by its cover or can’t judge a book by its cover means that you shouldn’t form an opinion about a person, place, or thing just by looking at their or its outside appearance. After all, you can’t tell what a book will be about just by glancing at its cover, just as you can’t know someone’s personality, characteristics, and qualities based just on their looks or the worth or value of an item solely considering that thing’s appearance.

mm

Maggie Cramer

For the past 15 years, I've dedicated my career to words and language, as a writer, editor, and communications specialist and as a language arts educator. I'm excited to explore all things English with you and The Word Counter!

I currently reside in Asheville, North Carolina. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College and a Master of Education (MEd) in Secondary English Education from the University of Florida.

You can find me on LinkedIn , or access my online portfolio here !

Recent Posts

Damn Meaning: Here's What It Means and How to Use It

Damn Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

The Meaning of Gauge: What It Is and How To Use It

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

What Does the Cheese Stands Alone Mean?

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

What Does 40 Winks Mean?

word histories

word histories

“ad fontes!”

‘to judge a book by its cover’: meaning and origin

Of American-English origin, the phrase to judge a book by its cover , and its variants, mean to make assumptions about someone or something based on appearance or on superficial characteristics.

This phrase is chiefly used in negative contexts, as you can’t judge a book by its cover , don’t judge a book by its cover , etc.

The metaphor conveyed by the phrase occurs in the Preface to Truth in Fiction: Or, Morality in Masquerade. A Collection of Two hundred twenty five Select Fables of Æsop, and other Authors. Done into English Verse (London: Printed for J. Churchill, 1708), by Edmund Arwaker (died 1730):

I am sensible, that, with some, the very Name of Fables, is enough to bring any Work, to which it is prefix’d, into Contempt, as a thing of no Use or Value; or at best, but a Childish Entertainment […]. But, as a Man is not to be judg’d of by his Out-side, any more than a Book by its Title-Page; so Fables are not to be valu’d only as insipid Tales, composed to please Children, and make Fools laugh: For their Honey is not without a Sting, and they have something in them of Prevalency enough to make the Wise Consider.

These are, in chronological order, the earliest occurrences of to judge a book by its cover and variants that I have found—including literal uses of the phrase:

1 -: From the Boston Daily Advertiser (Boston, Massachusetts) of Wednesday 29 th August 1821:

In the Evening Gazette of last Saturday, I observed a notice of the 2d No. of the Idle Man, in which that work is said to be written on the plan of the Sketch Book […]. […] If the writer of the article is to be considered, in this instance, as speaking after the manner of printers, the plan of the Sketch Book has indeed been followed to a considerable degree—the work appears in a cover of exactly the same colour—the paper is of the same whiteness and fineness—and the type is large, brilliant and beautiful. These circumstances are calculated to mislead a man who judges of a book by its outside show. It is, however, an old and true adage, that there is no trusting to appearances, and accordingly the identity of plan in the two works ends here.

2 -: From the account of a debate at the Senate of New York, published in the New-York Commercial Advertiser ( New York City , New York) of Saturday 11 th February 1837:

Mr. Roosevelt thought it as ridiculous to presume fraud from the face of the petition, as to undertake to judge of a book from its title.

3 -: From Books , published in The Light Ship (Boston, Massachusetts) of Wednesday 6 th January 1847:

Judge not of a book by its size, for some pocket volumes contain really and intrinsically more than folios; the question should be the amount and kind of ore, and not the extent of the field that contains it.

4 -: From The Northern Star, and Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Advocate (Warren, Rhode Island) of Saturday 1 st July 1848:

I DON’T LIKE HIS LOOKS. Why! Because I don’t. Powerful reasoning, is it not. But are you not guilty of the same sin? Have you not expressed your mind unfavorably towards an individual, with whom you had no acquaintance, because you were not so well pleased with his looks? Was it right?—You may as well judge of a book by its covering—a pearl by the shell in which it is found. The roughest looking men sometimes are the possessors of the kindest hearts and the noblest feelings. The homeliest man of our acquaintance is one of the finest fellows we ever met with. We once thought we did not care to number him among our friends; now we would not part with him. One of the plainest women we have seen is a meek and humble christian [sic], beloved by all who know her. We wish we could say as much for the handsome men and pretty women who walk our streets and fill our churches. The face is not the index of the heart. From the shell no one can judge of the meat. Pearls are as often picked from the dung hill as from the flower garden. Never then judge by looks alone, nor speak disrespectfully or unkindly of one who may not be beautiful to look upon. First become acquainted with the person, and then judge of the disposition and character, but never before.

5 -: From The Boston Daily Mail (Boston, Massachusetts ) of Tuesday 12 th June 1849:

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.—The Courier says that some of the occupants of large and fashionable establishments on Washington street have been placed in a delicate position by the city ordinance which compelled them to clean out their yards and cellars. Some disclosures have been made, which, to say the least, were neither expected of hoped. We do not intimate that human bones were found; but things equally wonderful were. Over fifty cartloads of filth have been carried away from the cellar and yard of one of the most fashionable concerns on the street, and the premises are not decently clean yet.

6 -: From Religion and Religionism , published in The New-York Evangelist and New-York Presbyterian (New York City, New York) of Thursday 29 th August 1850:

The other day, while turning over some books at a bookseller’s, one with the following title fell under our eye: “Justorum Semita, or a History of the Holidays of the Church.” It was a London print, and the word Church was taken in the high Anglican Church sense. We are not disposed to judge of a book merely by its title, for a title is often fancifully chosen. In this volume, however, the title seems to have been chosen to indicate at a glance, the character of the contents.

7 -: From the review of Sabbath in the City and Home Lyrics (Boston: Benjamin B. Mussey and Company, 1854), by Washington Folsom Somerby—review published in The Citizen (New York City, New York) of Saturday 22 nd July 1854:

The volume is very well printed, arrayed in clear type and white paper, gilt outside, and adorned with the portrait of the author. […] Whichever way we take it, we perhaps may be favorably struck with the appearance of the book, but it is an old proverb, that we must not be led away by appearance, and that we must never judge a book by its cover.

8 -: From The Astor Library , published in the New Hampshire Statesman (Concord, New Hampshire) of Saturday 24 th May 1856:

Within the limits of continental Europe, to say nothing of the immense number of books enclosed within the walls of the Bodleian Library and the British Museum, there are about forty libraries larger than the Astor. The number of books is, however, by no means a proof of the value of a library. We could with equal justice judge of a book by the number of pounds it weighs.

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

' src=

  • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
  • Copy shortlink
  • Report this content
  • View post in Reader
  • Manage subscriptions
  • Collapse this bar

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover: Meaning and Importance

by English Plus | Apr 12, 2024 | Expression of the Day

You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover

Beyond Appearances: The Wisdom of “You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover”

When to apply the idiom, when caution is needed, the importance of open-mindedness.

The enduring idiom “You can’t judge a book by its cover” reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. It teaches us to look beyond initial impressions and avoid forming premature judgments about people or situations.

Here are some examples of when this idiom is perfectly applicable:

  • Meeting New People:  First impressions are important, but don’t form fixed opinions based solely on someone’s appearance or initial demeanor. Take the time to get to know them before making assumptions.
  • Trying New Things:  A restaurant with unassuming decor might serve incredible food, or a movie with a less-than-exciting trailer might surprise you. Don’t let appearances deter you from potential positive experiences.
  • Evaluating Products and Services:  The flashiest product isn’t always the best. Research, reviews, and considering your own needs are more valuable indicators of quality than packaging alone.

In certain situations, it’s wise to be mindful of appearances and how they might reflect underlying qualities:

  • Safety and Red Flags:  If something gives you a feeling of unease – whether a person or a situation – it’s often wise to trust your instincts and exercise caution, even if there’s no concrete evidence of danger.
  • Professionalism:  In job interviews or business settings, while personality matters most, outward presentation and appropriate attire create an important impression.
  • Attention to Detail:  Some professions, like those focused on design and aesthetics, rely on judging appearances to a certain degree as a quality hallmark.

The idiom “You can’t judge a book by its cover” fundamentally encourages open-mindedness and the willingness to reserve judgment until we have more information. It reminds us that the external appearance of things is often just the surface, and true value or character might lie deeper. By resisting quick judgments, we open ourselves up to surprising discoveries, unexpected friendships, and a broader view of the world.

Vocabulary Voyages by Danny Ballan

Get Vocabulary Voyages E-Book for Free!

Build your vocabulary today in the context of 40 beautiful stories about profound words with interactive elements, QR codes, exercises and more, for FREE ! You will get the FULL E-Book not just a preview!

I will also be sending you the weekly digest to share with you the latest content I add here on the website.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and get your weekly dose of English Plus content!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

<a href="https://englishpluspodcast.com/author/dannyballanowner/" target="_self">English Plus</a>

English Plus

You may also like.

“Put Your Foot in Your Mouth”: A Guide to Avoiding Awkward Blunders

“Put Your Foot in Your Mouth”: A Guide to Avoiding Awkward Blunders

by English Plus | May 10, 2024

What does “put your foot in your mouth” mean? Learn the origins of this idiom, examples of its use, and how to avoid embarrassing verbal faux pas.

Caught Between Two Stools: Meaning and Use of the Idiom

Caught Between Two Stools: Meaning and Use of the Idiom

by English Plus | May 9, 2024

Confused by the idiom “caught between two stools”? Learn its meaning, when it applies, and real-life examples to help you use this phrase correctly.

Pushing the Envelope: Meaning, Uses, and Limits

Pushing the Envelope: Meaning, Uses, and Limits

by English Plus | May 8, 2024

Learn the meaning of the idiom “push the envelope.” Discover when to use it, its origins, and examples that show how it can go wrong.

Recent Posts

Sports Records & Athletes Quiz: Test Your Trivia Power

Sports Records & Athletes Quiz: Test Your Trivia Power

May 11, 2024 | Trivia

Think you’re a sports whiz? Prove it! Take our quiz on legendary athletes, record-breaking moments, and sports trivia.

King Midas and the Curse of the Golden Touch: A Myth of Greed and Regret

King Midas and the Curse of the Golden Touch: A Myth of Greed and Regret

May 11, 2024 | Gods and Heroes

Explore the legend of King Midas, whose wish for a golden touch backfired spectacularly. Learn about the dangers of greed and the value of true riches.

Does Knuckle Cracking Cause Arthritis? Separating Fact from Fiction

Does Knuckle Cracking Cause Arthritis? Separating Fact from Fiction

May 10, 2024 | Fact or Fiction

Tired of hearing that crackly knuckles equal future arthritis? Get the facts on this common misconception and learn how critical thinking can protect your health.

Beyond the Classroom: Parents Guide to Balancing Extracurriculars and Academics

Beyond the Classroom: Parents Guide to Balancing Extracurriculars and Academics

May 10, 2024 | Parent and Community

Discover how parents can help their children balance extracurricular activities with academic success, promoting well-rounded growth without sacrificing grades.

Test Your Knowledge: How Much Do You Know About Laos?

Test Your Knowledge: How Much Do You Know About Laos?

May 10, 2024 | Countries

Dive into Southeast Asia with this fun quiz about Laos. Discover its history, culture, and geography!

The Power of Touch: How Hugs Can Fight Loneliness

The Power of Touch: How Hugs Can Fight Loneliness

May 10, 2024 | Know Yourself Daily

Discover how physical touch releases a powerful hormone called oxytocin, boosting your mood and helping to combat feelings of loneliness.

  • Crossword Puzzles in Context (176)
  • Common Mistakes in English (5)
  • Cultural English (7)
  • English For Specific Purposes (3)
  • Focus on Business (8)
  • Focus on Grammar (8)
  • Focus on Literature (7)
  • Focus on Skills (7)
  • Focus on Speaking (7)
  • Focus on Vocabulary (8)
  • Focus on Writing (7)
  • Grammar And Vocabulary (6)
  • Idiomatic Expressions (8)
  • Listening and Speaking (3)
  • Reading and Writing (3)
  • Common Mistakes in English (14)
  • Daily Flash Facts (38)
  • Daily Proverbs (74)
  • Countries (13)
  • Grammar (15)
  • History (14)
  • Literature (16)
  • Science (16)
  • Trivia (15)
  • Vocabulary (14)
  • Daily Quotes (73)
  • English Usage Daily (14)
  • Expression of the Day (38)
  • Great Stories (13)
  • Immortal People (13)
  • Know Yourself Daily (38)
  • Poetry Daily (28)
  • Spotlights Daily (28)
  • Word of the Day (38)
  • A Very Short History of the World (16)
  • Beyond Earth (2)
  • Big Ideas Explained (12)
  • Business Spotlights (41)
  • Career Insights (27)
  • Creative Writing Tips (20)
  • Cultural Insights (27)
  • Did You Know (25)
  • English Plus Multimedia (4)
  • Fact or Fiction (21)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (23)
  • General Spotlights (10)
  • Gods and Heroes (32)
  • Grammar Galaxy (2)
  • Health and Fitness (31)
  • Her Story (2)
  • History Spotlights (44)
  • Lessons from Everything (1)
  • Lifelines (6)
  • Literary Echoes (39)
  • Mysteries Revealed (24)
  • Planet Earth (20)
  • Curriculum Development (3)
  • Education Policy (3)
  • Education Spotlights (33)
  • Educational Technology (10)
  • Higher Education (1)
  • Language Learning Strategies (5)
  • Learning and the Brain (11)
  • Parent and Community (12)
  • Teacher Development (3)
  • Teaching Strategies (1)
  • Podcasting (2)
  • Polyglot (1)
  • Arts and Literature (6)
  • Danny's Poetry (3)
  • Immortal Books (8)
  • Immortals (6)
  • Ink & Ashes (1)
  • Literary Spotlights (1)
  • Myths and Legends (7)
  • NonFiction (1)
  • Poet Diary (1)
  • Poetry for Everyone (6)
  • Project Orpheus (1)
  • Short Stories (2)
  • Short Stories for Everyone (5)
  • Writing Tips and Techniques (9)
  • Science Spotlights (50)
  • Short Introductions (182)
  • Social Spotlights (49)
  • The Journey Within (59)
  • Top Ten (11)
  • War and Peace (27)
  • 101 Series (1)
  • Ask Danny (1)
  • Bonus Episodes (1)
  • Business English (44)
  • Common Mistakes (7)
  • Discussions (5)
  • Down to Business (3)
  • Education for All (1)
  • English Express (21)
  • English Plus Show (1)
  • Fantastic Guest (4)
  • Grammar (41)
  • History (22)
  • Know Thyself (2)
  • Let's Talk Literature (5)
  • Magazine Spotlights (1)
  • Mythology (19)
  • Our Story (1)
  • Poetry (33)
  • Pronunciation (4)
  • Real Conversations (7)
  • Science (20)
  • Society and Culture (9)
  • Stories (32)
  • Technology (1)
  • The Daily Digest (13)
  • The Universe (1)
  • Vocabulary Building (114)
  • Vocabulary in Context (2)
  • Vocabulary Voyages (3)
  • Word Power (87)
  • Writing (4)
  • Featured Articles (8)
  • Red Dead Redemption (1)
  • The Last of Us (2)
  • The Odyssey (1)
  • Old Audio Series (7)

Pin It on Pinterest

Know Your Phrase

Learn About Phrases and Sayings

Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover

Have you ever hastily made a snap judgement purely on the outer look of something? If so, it’s time to turn a new page! As the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover, so let’s open up this old proverb to see what is on the inside.

Table of Contents

Meaning of “don’t judge a book by its cover”, origin of “never judge a book by its cover”.

  • Examples and Sentences

To not form an opinion on someone or something based solely on external features. The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” means appearances can be deceiving , and it suggests that one should not make assumptions merely from what is seen on the surface. Here are three important aspects to consider for the meaning of this phrase:

What It Means 1. Don’t judge a book its cover refers to the idea that you shouldn’t make assumptions about someone or something based on their appearance. 2. Just as a book’s cover may not accurately represent its contents, a person’s appearance may not reveal what they are like on the inside. 3. The phrase serves as a reminder that people or things are not always what they seem at first glance. Similar: This proverb is also said as “never judge a book by its cover.” It’s similar to other sayings such as “beauty is only skin deep,” and “looks can be deceiving.”

Example: At first, I thought my new coworker looked tough and unapproachable. However, don’t judge a book by its cover because after talking with him, I realized he was a nice person.

Never judge a book by its cover.

1. Looks can be deceiving 2. Beauty is only skin deep 3. It’s what’s on the inside that counts 4. Not everything is what it seems 5. Things are not always as they appear 6. There’s more than meets the eye

Have you ever judged something prematurely, only for it to be very different than what you expected? That’s basically what the saying don’t (or never) judge a book by its cover means. This same idea can be expressed by using one of the synonyms above.

This particular phrase is over 150 years old, but what about its origin? In part, the proverb never judge a book by its cover likely stems from the tendency of people to make judgements before truly getting to know something or someone.

For instance, if a person is looking for a book to read, the book’s cover is typically the first thing to catch their attention. Based solely on the cover, a person may decide whether a book is worth reading. As a result, they could overlook a book simply because the cover appears plain or boring to them. However, if the person would have given the book a chance and looked at the inside, they may have been surprised at what they found.

This expression can also be applied to people since individuals are often judged exclusively on their outward appearance. However, if one takes the time to get to know the person and see what’s on the inside, they might be pleasantly surprised to discover that the person is entirely different from their initial assumptions. In other words, by “opening up” the person and exploring deeper, they may find hidden qualities and characteristics that were not visible on the surface. Therefore, don’t judge a book by its cover, because there could be more to them than meets the eye.

Anyways, this phrase goes back to at least the mid-19th century. It makes an appearance in the newspaper  Piqua Democrat , June 1867:

“Don’t judge a book by its cover, see a man by his cloth, as there is often a good deal of solid worth and superior skill underneath a jacket and yellow pants.”

It’s worth mentioning that the print in the newspaper was small and difficult to read. Despite this, an effort was made to quote it as accurately as possible. There was at least enough clarity to make out the phrase for sure.

Examples For “Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover”

To get a better understanding of this saying, let’s look a few examples to illustrate how it is used:

Examples 1. The restaurant did not impress me from what I saw on the outside, but the food turned out to be amazing. Don’t judge a book by its cover is what I learned. 2. Although he looked small and frail at the outset, he is actually fast and highly skilled at this game. Never judge a book by its cover , as they say. 3. This old boat may look like a clunker with its weathered exterior, but a closer inspection reveals that it’s in great shape. This goes to show you should not judge a book by the cover .

In this next set of sentences, we will mix things up. After all, there are different ways to express the idea of not judging someone simply by their outward features. The following examples do this by using other phrases that are similar:

Examples 1. The bakery doesn’t look like much at first glance, but looks can be deceiving because their bread is the best in town. 2. I wasn’t sure about hiring him since he lacked experience, but not everything is what it seems . He turned out to be a talented, hard working individual. 3. When I met my roommate, she came across as unfriendly and quiet. However, after getting to know her, I realized she’s quite outgoing and funny. I guess things are not always as they appear .

These examples show that you can’t always tell what something is like just by looking at it. In each sentence, notice how an early opinion is formed based only on surface-level observations. Then, after getting to know someone or something better, it becomes apparent that they are very different than what was previously assumed. There are more popular sayings to read about on here. Take a look at the phrases below if you enjoyed learning about this one.

English Study Online

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover | Meaning, Useful Examples & Synonyms

By: Author English Study Online

Posted on Last updated: November 1, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover! What does this idiom mean? How to use this expression in English sentences and alternative ways to express this phrase with ESL infographic.

Table of Contents

“Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover” Meaning

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

What Does “Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover” Mean?

This idiom means that do not make assumptions about the contents of a book because you dislike its cover.

This is a common English idiom and a metaphorical phrase that means one should not prejudge an opinion, characteristics or the true value of someone or something just by seeing what’s on the surface or by assessing superficial details alone; because after taking a deeper look, the person or thing may be very different than what was expected.

Example Sentences

  • That man may look very small and insignificant, but don’t judge a book by its cover – he’s a very powerful man in his circle.
  • I’m glad I didn’t judge a book by its cover , or I never would have married him!”
  • She seems a bit jerk to me, but, hey, you never know. She may be good. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover .
  • Do you know that John looked very poor but actually he was very rich. You can’t judge a book by its cover . 

Other Ways to Say/Synonyms

Here is the list of synonyms for the proverb “don’t judge a book by its cover”:

  • Appearances are often misleading.
  • All that is gold does not glitter.
  • Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.
  • Looks are deceiving.
  • One sees clearly only with the heart.
  • Don’t just scratch the surface.
  • Things aren’t always as they seem.
  • Looks aren’t everything.
  • Beauty is only skin deep.
  • What really matters is invisible to the eyes.
  • Don’t be shallow.
  • Don’t just look at the surface.
  • Things aren’t always what/as they seem.
  • Recent Posts

English Study Online

  • Fire Crotch Meaning: Explained and Demystified - March 22, 2024
  • Broscience Meaning: What Does Broscience Mean? - March 22, 2024
  • Unlocking the Mystery: More Cowbell Meaning Explained - March 22, 2024

Tuesday 4th of October 2022

Can I use "don't judge a book by its cover" to mean something looks good outside but it's bad inside? Your reply is greatly appreciated. TQ

Thursday 28th of October 2021

why is there only 4 comments?

Wednesday 3rd of February 2021

this is a great website thanks for the help

Heidi flores

Friday 8th of January 2021

Sunday 18th of October 2020

this is a great website!

Youshouldlisten.com

Never judge a book by its cover – meaning, origin and examples, never/don’t judge a book by its cover.

I am pretty sure you know that there is a phrase, face is the index of mind. This means that, with the expression one shows on their face, it will be easy to guess what’s in their mind. However, ‘never judge a book by its cover’ is a different phrase altogether. This phrase is not talking about books. If it were so, you should always judge a book by its cover. You can’t expect Harry Potter’s magic inside a book with a cover that says, Alice In Wonderland. So, ‘never judge a book by its cover’ is usually associated with people and their undisclosed talents.

If you judge a book by its cover, you might miss out on an amazing story

Meaning of Never Judge a book by its cover

‘Never judge a book by its cover’ means you should never presume one’s skill or the value of something, just by how they look from the outside.

Origin of the phrase You can’t judge a book by its cover

Initially, the phrase, never judge a book by its cover, just like most other English phrases, had a literal meaning. It means, people usually buy books only by looking at the cover. Many good stories might be overlooked by them if they don’t try to give a glance to what’s inside the books. In 1944, this phrase was used for the very first time in an African American journal speech, which mentioned, ‘you can’t judge a book by its binding’. This phrase became very popular when it was used in the famous ‘murder in the glass room’ book which was published in 1946. In this book, the phrase was used as “you can never tell a book by its cover’.

example for never judge a book by its cover

2) Another example for the phrase, never judge a book by its cover could be, the legendary Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar. He was just 16 years old when he made his international debut against Pakistan in Karachi. He looked so little. He just scored a mere 15 runs. The world took him so lightly as a cricketer. Everything that happened later in his career was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 100 international tons and people used to call him the little master, master blaster, God of cricket, etc. The person who selected Sachin Tendulkar for the Indian team surely must have known the meaning of the phrase, ‘Never judge a book by its cover’.

Sachin Tendulkar Is example of dont judge a book by its cover

3) Some people might not look very approachable. If you do take the initiative of talking to them, you will understand better the meaning of ‘never judge a book by its cover’.

Feel free to post your comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to this blog for more useful posts.

Related Posts

corona virus vs common cold situation

Coronavirus vs Common Cold : What’s the main difference between coronavirus and cold ?

Dental Assistant’s Week Profile Picture Frame 2024

Dental Assistant’s Week Profile Picture Frame 2024

Bizmail Login : Yahoo Bizmail business email login 2023

Bizmail Login : Yahoo Bizmail business email login 2023

About author.

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Address: *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

With English, the World is Your Oyster!

  • Listening Skills
  • TED Talk Lessons
  • What are Idioms?
  • Visual Idiom Examples
  • Idioms Lists
  • About Nicole
  • Privacy Policy

Idiom:  don't judge a book by its cover

Book cover with a microphone image and the sentence example, "Susan Boyle showed the judges on Britain's Got Talent why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover."

Idiom:  (you can’t/never/don't) judge a book by its cover

  • it's not good to decide about something based on its outward appearance only

Note :  In book publishing, an enormous amount of attention is put into the design of a book's cover because most people will not carefully read through the book before making a purchase. As a result, the cover of a book often does not closely match the book's contents.

Example sentences

—  In Los Angeles,  you can’t judge a book by its cover  because some of the richest people shop in jeans and a T-shirt.

—  Wow, chocolate-covered crickets are really delicious. It just shows that you  can't judge a book by its cover .

—  Try to keep an open mind about the new software updates.  It's  never  a good idea to  judge a book by its cover .

—  He seems really short to be a basketball player but after two decades coaching, I've learned to  not judge a book by its cover .

—  Marketers know very well that consumers will judge a book by its cover and this is why even the cheapest cosmetics come in attractive packaging.

—  Fortunately, one of the valuable lessons my parents taught me was never to judge a book by its cover .

—  If I'd judged a book by it's cover , I'd never have married the love of my life.

—  When Susan Boyle sang on Britain's Got Talent, she proved that  you can't judge a book by its cover .

—  I know better than to judge a book by its cover because people always underestimate me and I'm always capable.

By the way, if you've never seen Susan Boyle's audition for Britain's Got Talent, you should watch it below!

  • all that glitters is not gold
  • looks can be deceiving

Get our free idioms in pictures ebook

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

You might like these idioms

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

sleep like a log

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

that ship has sailed

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

beat the pants off

More idioms will be added in the future so check back frequently or sign-up for my free newsletter to learn about new updates to my website.

  • Idiom Examples
  • Idiom: don’t judge a book by its cover

Cover image of the free illustrated idioms ebook you can get when subscribing to Oyster English's free newsletter.

Listening | TED Talks |  Speaking |  Grammar |  Vocabulary | Idioms |  Blog

Copyright © 2013-2024  OysterEnglish.com   All rights reserved  |    Privacy policy

A Great Mood

Press ESC to close

Closed book

40 Never Judge a Book by its Cover Quotes

Even within one person, yesterday and today, there are differences. We must look at a deeper level. — Dalai Lama

Sometimes, someone’s worth or character matches their outer appearance perfectly.

But in most cases, we need to be very careful and take time to think before we jump to conclusions — negative or positive.

We should never judge a book by its cover, and I’m sure you can think of a time in which your first impression of someone (or something) turned out to be completely inaccurate.

Judging others and making assumptions about them is one of our natural behaviors as human beings, but it’s not always helpful…

(Keep reading or skip to the quotes now)

Why do we judge others so quickly?

Why do most people tend to “judge a book by its cover”?

The list of possible reasons is endless, but the most common reason is surprisingly simple — we tend to judge others by their appearance because it’s easier to do so .

And in some cases, it may even be the only option available to us.

Ideally, every interaction with another human being would last long enough and we would have enough time to get to know them, find out who they truly are, and discover their unique story.

But in reality, that’s not always possible, therefore we may have to rely on first impressions, looks, and the outer surface.

After all, we do need to have a general idea of who the other person is — whether that’s accurate or inaccurate — even though the amount of information we have is often very limited.

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Never judge a book by its cover

With that in mind, it’s important to learn not to be judgemental all the time.

We should be aware that judging others is one of our natural reactions (which can actually be pretty useful at times), but at the same time learn to silence our thoughts about someone we don’t know when those thoughts don’t help us, or them, in any way.

And even if we think we know the other person very well — there’s always going to be things about them, their personal life, their inner demons , and their struggles, that we can’t know or understand.

By judging a person by his or her cover, we also miss the opportunity to get to know them.

We no longer use our curiosity; we fail to interact with them spontaneously simply because we’ve already decided that they’re this or that thing.

So even though judging someone by our first impression of them is the easiest route, it rarely adds value into our life.

Now, don’t get me wrong — sometimes first impressions are vital, especially if you are gifted with good intuition.

If someone clearly gives you bad vibes, you should listen to that, and there’s probably no need to gather any further information about them; you just know .

However, in general, you should remind yourself that you are in no position to judge them , especially if you don’t really know them.

Never judge a book by its cover quotes

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

It is certainly true that you can’t judge a book by its cover, nor can you judge a book by its first chapter — even if that chapter is twenty years long. — Gregory Boyle
Beautiful is he who recognizes what is truly beautiful, even if the surface is ugly. — Suzy Kassem
Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden. — Plato
The same way we don’t judge a book by its cover, we shouldn’t judge people by their looks. — Eva Garcia
Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are. — Markus Zusak
If your appearance is all people see, they have no respect for your mind. — Trudi Canavan
My theory about meeting people — he said — is that it’s better not to make a really good first impression. Because it’s all downhill from there. You’re always having to live up to that first impression, which was just an illusion. — Lisa Kleypas
Never judge someone — by the way he looks — or a book by the way it’s covered; for inside those tattered pages, — there’s a lot to be discovered. — Stephen Cosgrove
Don’t judge people by their covers, most of their books are still being written. — Unknown
Many times I have learned that you never judge a book by its cover. Like people, it is the inside that counts. — Shannon Hale
Don’t look for a partner who is eye candy. Look for a partner who is soul food. — Karen Salmansohn
Look beneath the surface; let not the several quality of a thing nor its worth escape thee. — Marcus Aurelius
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. I’ve learned that you can’t judge a man by the one before him, either. — Adriana Locke
Nobody looks like what they really are on the inside. You don’t. I don’t. People are much more complicated than that. It’s true of everybody. — Neil Gaiman
Your appearance shouldn’t define who you are, and that’s what I like — the contrast between people looking like the opposite of what they truly are deep inside. — Matthias Schoenaerts

Don’t judge people quotes

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Not judging people is the fastest way to peace. — Jonathan Jackson
If you are pained by external things, it is not they that disturb you, but your own judgement of them. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgement now. — Marcus Aurelius
Judging is preventing us from understanding a new truth. Free yourself from the rules of old judgements and create the space for new understanding. — Steve Maraboli
The least amount of judging we can do, the better off we are. — Michael J. Fox
We judge ourselves by our intentions. And others by their actions. — Stephen Covey
Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Be curious, not judgemental. — Walt Whitman
Judging a person does not define who they are; it defines who you are. — Wayne Dyer
If you judge people you have no time to love them. — Mother Teresa
Often I have asked myself: what would it be like if I no longer had any desire to judge another? Or be controlled by the judgement of others? I would walk the earth as a very light person indeed. — Henri Nouwen
Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold. — Proverbs 11:27
The more a man judges, the less he loves. — Honoré de Balzac

Short never judge a book by its cover quotes

First appearance deceives many. — Ovid
My whole outlook in life is: never judge a book by its cover. — Floyd Mayweather
We should look to the mind, and not to the outward appearance. — Aesop
Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers. — Voltaire
First impressions are always unreliable. — Franz Kafka
Do not judge by appearances; a rich heart may be under a poor coat. — Proverb
All that glitters is not gold. — William Shakespeare
I believe inner beauty is beauty in its truest form. — Paula Abdul
Appearance is valued too much in our society. — Claude Lelouch
Beauty comes in all forms. It’s not just external; it’s internal as well. — Alessia Cara
Don’t judge a book by its cover until you’ve read the book. — Jamie Lee Curtis
Appearances are often deceiving. — Aesop

Do you tend to judge others who think or behave differently than you do? Leave a reply below and let me know! 👇

Share Article:

10 key benefits of being vulnerable, how to stop feeling sorry for others — for good, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Cambridge Dictionary

  • Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of you can't judge a book by its cover in English

You can't judge a book by its cover.

  • as if/though idiom
  • by the look(s) of things idiom
  • come across
  • outwardness
  • pass for sb/sth
  • superficial
  • superficiality
  • superficially

Translations of you can't judge a book by its cover

Get a quick, free translation!

{{randomImageQuizHook.quizId}}

Word of the Day

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

a unit for measuring the loudness of sound

Varied and diverse (Talking about differences, Part 1)

Varied and diverse (Talking about differences, Part 1)

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Learn more with +Plus

  • Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
  • Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
  • Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
  • Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
  • English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
  • English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
  • English–Dutch Dutch–English
  • English–French French–English
  • English–German German–English
  • English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
  • English–Italian Italian–English
  • English–Japanese Japanese–English
  • English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
  • English–Polish Polish–English
  • English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
  • English–Spanish Spanish–English
  • English–Swedish Swedish–English
  • Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
  • English    Idiom
  • Translations
  • All translations

To add you can't judge a book by its cover to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add you can't judge a book by its cover to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

Enter the Bible logo

More results...

1 Samuel 16:7 – Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

God’s and Samuel’s criteria for who should rule are not necessarily the same.

Samuel was initially impressed with Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son, because of his impressive height and physical prowess. God’s warning to Samuel that a person’s stature is not a reliable measure of an individual’s qualifications is, on the surface, reminiscent of Samuel’s earlier experience with Saul , who was also remarkable for his height (9:2; 10:23) but also rejected by the Lord (15:23).

A theological principle, however, is also involved in this memorable verse. Samuel’s limited perspective arose out of his inability to see beyond outward appearances. Since Eliab (and Saul!) had apparently been blessed with good looks, it was natural to assume that God’s blessing would extend to leadership. But God states very clearly that there is much more involved: “The LORD looks on [better: “into”] the heart.” In the thought world of the Old Testament, the “heart” represents what we would call “the mind”–the seat of the will, the intellect, and decision making–attributes that Samuel could not “see,” but which were of the utmost importance and divinely discernible. God will be the one to choose Israel’s king, and it will be on the basis of God’s criteria.

  • United Monarchy: 1000 BCE - 922 BCE
  • Samuel , Saul

Related Passages

Matthew 15:1-9 – human traditions, matthew 12:43-45 – the return of the unclean spirit, matthew 12:38-42 – the hopelessness of signs, matthew 12:33-37 – good from good, bad from bad, matthew 12:1-14  – two sabbath controversies, matthew 9:9-13 – the call of matthew, matthew 8:18-22 – the conditions of following jesus, matthew 8:5-13 – the centurion’s servant.

Enter the bible BW logo

Sign Up or Login

Quick links:.

  • All My Notes
  • Glossary of Biblical Terms
  • Got Questions?
  • Member Dashboard
  • Post Topics
  • Privacy Policy

More resources for a deeply formed faith from Luther Seminary:

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Never judge a book by its cover—use student achievement instead

Subscribe to the center for economic security and opportunity newsletter, thomas j. kane thomas j. kane walter h. gale professor of education and economics - harvard university.

March 3, 2016

They say never judge a book by its cover. We need to start judging textbooks and other instructional materials using student achievement instead.

In February and March of last year, as teachers were preparing for the first administration of the end-of-year assessments from the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortia (SBAC), the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard surveyed a representative sample of 1,500 teachers and 142 principals across five states. [i] Our report focused on the instructional changes teachers were making and the effectiveness of the training and support they were receiving. However, we also asked about the textbooks they were using.

We matched each teacher to the students they were teaching and assembled data on students’ demographic characteristics, performance on prior state tests, and the averages of such characteristics for the peers in their classroom. We also estimated each teacher’s impact on student performance in the prior school year (2013-14) to use as a control. (We wanted to account for the fact that more effective teachers may choose to use particular textbooks.) After controlling for the measures of student, peer, and teacher influences above, we estimated the variance in student outcomes on the new assessments associated with the textbook used. [ii]

The textbook effects were substantial, especially in math. In 4 th and 5 th grade math classrooms, we estimated that a standard deviation in textbook effectiveness was equivalent to .10 standard deviations in achievement at the student level. [iii] That means that if all schools could be persuaded to switch to one of the top quartile textbooks, student achievement would rise overall by roughly .127 student-level standard deviations or an average of 3.6 percentile points. Although it might sound small, such a boost in the average teacher’s effectiveness would be larger than the improvement the typical teacher experiences in their first three years on the job, as they are just learning to teach.

As advocated by Russ Whitehurst and Matt Chingos , the search for more effective curriculum materials can yield outsized bang-for-the-buck, because schools are already buying textbooks and better textbooks do not cost more on average than less effective ones. We estimate that such a study would need to collect data from roughly 1,800 schools to have the statistical power necessary to detect a .10 impact for any textbook representing at least 10 percent of the market. Some states, such as Indiana and Florida, already collect data on textbook adoptions, but even if it were necessary to collect data from a new sample of schools, the study would likely cost less than $2 million annually. [iv] Across the PARCC and SBAC states, there are approximately 3 million 4 th and 5 th grade students. Assuming the more effective textbooks have a similar cost to the textbooks they replace, the incremental cost of the 3.6 percentile point gain in achievement would be the cost of the study itself—roughly 67 cents per student. 

A focused effort to evaluate curricula and shift demand toward more effective options would yield a higher return on investment than more resource-intensive measures. For instance, Krueger (1999) estimated that small classes in the Tennessee classroom size experiment generated a 5 percentile point increase in performance in early grades. But that required reducing class size from 23 to 16 students per teacher. Using an average teacher salary of $55,000, the class size reduction would have a minimum cost across the PARCC and SBAC states of $3.1 billion or $1,046 per student—1,561 times the cost of the annual textbook study, for a slightly larger benefit! (And that does not include the cost of the extra classroom space that would be needed.)

Admittedly, even though we controlled for student baseline scores and demographics, mean characteristics of students at the classroom level, and teachers’ prior value-added, we could be overstating effects of textbooks, if the schools using certain textbooks are systematically different in some unmeasured way. A future annual survey of textbook usage and student achievement could do a better job of isolating the effect of individual textbooks by measuring changes in student achievement as schools transitioned from one book to another.

An annual report on the effectiveness of textbooks would transform the market, by providing publishers and software developers with a stronger incentive to compete on quality. To the extent that reduced student outcomes would reflect poorly on them, they would also have an incentive to provide the resources teachers, students and parents might need to use the textbook or software effectively. An annual report on effectiveness would also complement efforts, such as by William Schmidt, Morgan Polikoff and Ed Reports , to evaluate the content of textbooks and their alignment with the Common Core standards.

Welcome to the new economics of education research when states use common standards and assessments. By combining teacher-student links with the ability to measure achievement gains using common assessments, we could be generating lower-cost, faster-turnaround evaluations of curricula and other educational interventions. [v] Especially for products that are constantly evolving, such as textbooks and educational software, such an approach would provide more timely evidence than randomized clinical trials, at a fraction of the cost. States just need to start working together to reap the benefits.   

[i] The five states were Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, New Mexico, and Nevada. Unfortunately, we could not use the testing outcomes in Nevada due to problems with the SBAC assessment in the spring of 2015.

[ii] We dropped the 20 percent of students whose teachers reported they did not use a textbook, an additional 30 percent whose teachers did not use their textbook as their primary curriculum, and limited the sample to textbooks that at least two teachers reported using.

[iii] Others have found big effects of textbooks and curricula on student achievement. For instance, the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) currently contains ten evaluations of elementary school math textbooks and software, with effect sizes ranging from roughly −2 to 17 percentile points.

[iv] Chingos and Whitehurst advocated for a similar approach, suggesting that the Institute of Education Sciences should develop standards for collecting data on instructional materials. Rachana Bhatt and Cory Koedel have studied the effect of elementary math curricula by matching schools on baseline characteristics and comparing performance on the test in Indiana. See Bhatt, Rachana and Cory Koedel, “Large-Scale Evaluations of Curricular Effectiveness: The Case of Elementary Mathematics in Indiana” (2012).

[v] States do not have a mechanism for coordinating research agendas. Perhaps the Council of Chief State School Officers, National Governors’ Association or the testing consortia could help.

K-12 Education

Economic Studies

Center for Economic Security and Opportunity

Katharine Meyer

May 7, 2024

Jamie Klinenberg, Jon Valant, Nicolas Zerbino

Thinley Choden

May 3, 2024

Responsefully

20 Other Ways to Say “Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover”

Other Ways to Say Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

The idiom ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ originated in the early 18th century and refers to not judging something based on external appearance alone.

It reminds us that we shouldn’t rely on superficial qualities to assess another person’s value or character. The phrase urges us to look beyond someone’s outward characteristics and behaviors to gain a deeper understanding of their true nature.

This saying is an important lesson in empathy and wisdom. Many things, both physical and non-physical, can shape how a person appears on the outside.

Their circumstances, background, upbringing, mental and emotional state , cultural influences, and life experiences all contribute to their outward presentation. But these surface features only reveal a small part of who they truly are.

To form an accurate judgment of someone, we must invest the effort to get to know them and understand their perspective. We should resist labeling based on initial impressions .

Their ‘cover’ – age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, style of speech, style of dress, or apparent life choices – may give us misleading clues about what’s inside, about their motivations, values, and abilities.

Table of Contents

20 Other Ways To Say ‘Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

Judging people based on their outward appearance or limited initial knowledge of them is a common human failing.

We are quick to make assumptions and form opinions before understanding the full richness of a person’s character and life experiences.

However, there are always other ways we can choose to see and relate to one another. Here are 20 alternative ways we can remind ourselves not to judge a book by its cover:

1. Don’t assume you know the whole story based on the prologue

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

‘Don’t assume you know the whole story based on the prologue’ is an alternative to ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ which suggests that we should not jump to conclusions or make assumptions about someone or a situation based solely on limited information or a brief introduction.

It reminds us that people and circumstances can be more complex than they first appear and that we should take the time to investigate further before making judgments .

For example, imagine meeting someone who comes across as unfriendly or unapproachable at first, but after getting to know them better, you discover that they are quite kind and thoughtful.

Person A: ‘I heard that the new guy at work is really rude and unapproachable.’

Person B: ‘Well, don’t assume you know the whole story based on the prologue. Maybe he’s just had a tough time adjusting to a new environment.’

2. Looks can be deceiving 

‘Looks can be deceiving’ is similar to ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’ It emphasizes that appearances can be misleading and that we should not rely solely on outward appearances to make judgments about people or things.

For example, someone might look very put-together and successful on the outside, but in reality, they may be struggling with personal issues or have a difficult home life.

Person A: ‘I don’t trust that new salesperson. She seems too nice and friendly.’

Person B: ‘Looks can be deceiving. Maybe she’s just really good at her job and knows how to make people feel comfortable.’

3. There’s definitely more to a person’s personality than meets the eye 

‘There’s definitely more to a person’s personality than meets the eye’ is another great way to say ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ that suggests that people are multidimensional and that we should not judge them based solely on what we see on the surface.

It encourages us to take the time to get to know someone on a deeper level and to consider their experiences, feelings, and motivations before making assumptions.

For example, someone might seem very reserved or shy at first, but after getting to know them better, you discover that they have a great sense of humor and a lot of interesting things to say.

Person A: ‘I don’t think I could ever be friends with that guy. He’s always so quiet and reserved.’

Person B: ‘Well, There’s definitely more to a person’s personality than meets the eye. Maybe he just takes a while to open up to new people.’

4. Never oversimplify a complex person

‘Never oversimplify a complex person’ is an alternative to ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ which warns against reducing someone to a simple stereotype or label.

It reminds us that people are complex and multi-faceted and that we should not make assumptions or judgments based on limited information or preconceived notions.

For example, someone might come from a certain background or have a particular job, but that does not define their entire identity or personality.

Person A: ‘I don’t understand why that celebrity is always so unhappy. They have everything they could ever want.’

Person B: ‘Well, never oversimplify a complex person. Maybe they have personal struggles that we don’t know about, or maybe fame and fortune aren’t as fulfilling as they seem.’

5. Appearances are not always what they seem

‘Appearances are not always what they seem’ is an alternative way of saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ which is a powerful way of saying that we should not judge someone based on their outward appearance.

Often, people can appear one way on the surface, but their true nature or character may be entirely different.

This phrase is a reminder that we should not make assumptions about people based on their looks, clothing, or other superficial qualities.

For example, a person may dress shabbily or have tattoos, but they could still be a kind and intelligent individual.

Example conversation :

A: ‘This guy is covered in tattoos and wears ripped jeans all the time. He looks like trouble.’

B: ‘Appearances are not always what they seem. I’ve talked to him a few times, and he’s knowledgeable and friendly.’

6. You don’t know someone’s heart until you walk a mile in their shoes

‘You don’t know someone’s heart until you walk a mile in their shoes’ is a saying that emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding and a valid alternative to ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

It means that we cannot truly understand someone else’s experiences or feelings until we have lived through them ourselves.

This phrase reminds us to be compassionate and non-judgmental towards others, even if we don’t agree with their choices or actions.

For example, we may not understand why someone is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, but we can try to empathize with their struggles and offer support.

Example conversation:

A: ‘I don’t get why she keeps going back to him. He treats her so poorly.’

B: ‘You don’t know someone’s heart until you walk a mile in their shoes. Maybe there’s more to their relationship than we can see.’

7. There’s beauty beneath the surface if only you take the time to see

‘There’s beauty beneath the surface if only you take the time to see’ is a poetic way of saying that we should look beyond someone’s external appearance or behavior to uncover their true worth or value which is another way ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

This phrase encourages us to be more patient and open-minded when getting to know others. It reminds us that everyone has something unique and special about them, even if it’s not immediately apparent.

For example, a person who is shy or introverted may have a wealth of knowledge or creativity that they are hesitant to share.

A: ‘She’s always so quiet and reserved. I don’t think she has much to offer.’

B: ‘There’s beauty beneath the surface if only you take the time to see. Maybe she’s just waiting for the right opportunity to shine.’

8. Everyone has a backstory worth learning

‘Everyone has a backstory worth learning’ is a beautiful way of saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ and a way of saying that everyone has a unique perspective and life experience that can teach us something valuable. This phrase encourages us to be more curious about others.

It reminds us that we should not judge someone based on their current situation or behavior without first understanding their background and context.

For example, a person who seems lazy or unmotivated may have faced significant challenges or trauma in the past that we are unaware of.

A: ‘I don’t get why he’s always so pessimistic. He should just try to be more positive.’

B: ‘Everyone has a backstory worth learning. Maybe he’s been through a lot of difficult situations that have made him feel this way.’

9. First impressions are not always accurate

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

‘First impressions are not always accurate’ is a great way of saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ which means that we should not make snap judgments about people based on our initial interactions with them.

This phrase reminds us that our perceptions of others can be influenced by many factors, such as our mood, biases, or assumptions.

It encourages us to be more open-minded and give people a chance before forming an opinion.

For example, a person who seems unfriendly or aloof at first may simply be having a bad day.

A: ‘I don’t think I like her. She didn’t even say hi to me when we met.’

B: ‘First impressions are not always accurate. Maybe she was preoccupied with something or didn’t see you. Give her another chance.’

10. Don’t limit people by your expectations

‘Don’t limit people by your expectations’ urges us to be open-minded and avoid making assumptions about people based on our preconceived notions which makes it a great alternative to ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

By having fixed expectations, we might miss out on discovering the true potential of individuals. For instance, if we expect someone to be unproductive due to their laid-back demeanor, we may undermine their ability to handle tasks efficiently.

Instead, we should approach people with an open mind and give them the benefit of the doubt.

Person A: ‘I don’t think the new guy will be a good addition to the team. He looks lazy and uninterested.’

Person B: ‘Don’t limit people by your expectations. He might surprise you with his work ethic and skills.’

11. You’ll miss out on gems if you filter by façade

‘You’ll miss out on gems if you filter by façade’ is a great way to preach the message of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ that emphasizes the importance of looking beyond appearances when assessing people or things.

Just like how you may overlook a beautiful gemstone if you focus on its rough exterior, you may miss out on great opportunities or relationships if you judge them based on surface-level qualities.

For instance, if you refuse to date someone because they don’t meet your physical preferences, you might miss out on getting to know a wonderful person who has qualities that align with your values.

Person A: ‘I don’t want to go on a date with John. He doesn’t look like my type.’

Person B: ‘You’ll miss out on gems if you filter by façade. You never know, he might have a great personality that you’ll enjoy.’

12. Get to know the song before dismissing the singer

Another alternative to ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ which reinforces the idea that we shouldn’t judge someone based on a single factor or attribute is ‘Get to know the song before dismissing the singer.’

It urges us to get to know people before making conclusions about them.

For instance, if we hear someone singing off-key, we might dismiss them as a bad singer. However, if we take the time to listen to their other songs, we might discover that they have a great voice and just had an off day.

Person A: ‘I don’t like this author’s writing style. I don’t think I’ll read their next book.’

Person B: ‘Get to know the song before dismissing the singer. Maybe their next book will be better.’

13. Surprises lurk behind humble exteriors

‘Surprises lurk behind humble exteriors’ basically reminds us that we should avoid judging people based on their outward appearance or demeanor which is the message of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

Often, people who come across as unassuming or humble might surprise us with their talent, intelligence, or kindness.

For instance, someone who seems shy or introverted might be an excellent public speaker or someone who doesn’t dress extravagantly might be a successful entrepreneur.

Person A: ‘I don’t think this candidate is a good fit for the job. They seem too shy and introverted.’

Person B: ‘Surprises lurk behind humble exteriors. They might have hidden skills and talents that would be valuable to the company.’

14. Complexities exist beneath every simple smile

‘Complexities exist beneath every simple smile’ highlights the idea of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ and that we shouldn’t judge people based on their outward expressions.

Just because someone appears happy or content doesn’t necessarily mean that they are. They might be dealing with personal or professional challenges that they’re not comfortable sharing.

By taking the time to get to know people, we might discover that their lives are more complex than we had imagined.

For instance, someone who appears happy-go-lucky might be dealing with a serious illness or a difficult family situation.

Person A: ‘I don’t think Jane is a nice person. She always seems so serious and unapproachable.’

Person B: ‘Complexities exist beneath every simple smile.’

15. Diamonds shimmer within rocky exteriors

‘Diamonds shimmer within rocky exteriors’ is a great way to pass the message of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ and also encourage us to look beyond surface-level qualities and appreciate the value that lies within.

Just like how diamonds are valuable despite their rough exteriors, people may have hidden talents, skills, or qualities that are not immediately visible.

By taking the time to get to know people, we might discover their true potential and gain a deeper appreciation for their worth.

For instance, someone who appears disorganized might have excellent problem-solving skills, or someone who seems disinterested might have a passion for a particular subject that they haven’t expressed yet.

16. Symphonies play inside those who seem silent

‘Symphonies play inside those who seem silent’ is a great way to also preach the sentiment of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ and lets us know that people who seem quiet and reserved can hold a wealth of emotions and experiences within them, just like a symphony that can evoke a range of emotions.

It reminds us not to judge people based on their outward appearance or behavior and to take the time to get to know them.

For example, in a conversation, one person could say, ‘I was hesitant to talk to John at first because he seemed so quiet, but after getting to know him, I realized that symphonies were playing inside him all along.’

17. Stories unfold in those who appear one-dimensional

‘Stories unfold in those who appear one-dimensional’  lets us know that those who seem straightforward on the surface can have complex and fascinating stories to tell. It reminds us not to make assumptions about people based on limited information and to be open to learning more about them.

For example, in a conversation, one person could say, ‘I thought Sarah was just a quiet girl who kept to herself, but when we started talking, her stories unfolded, and I realized how wrong I was to judge her based on her appearance.’

18. Give depth a chance before judging the width

‘Give depth a chance before judging width’ is a firm alternative to ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover which preaches the importance of looking deeper into a situation or person before making assumptions based on surface-level characteristics.

Rather than just focusing on the superficial features, we should take the time to understand the intricacies and complexities that lie beneath the surface.

For instance, we shouldn’t judge someone’s intelligence based solely on their physical appearance. Instead, we should look at their achievements, education, and experiences.

Person A: ‘I don’t think I would hire that applicant, they don’t look professional.’

Person B: ‘Hold on, let’s give depth a chance before judging width. Let’s take a look at their resume and work experience first.’

19. Begin with an open mind, not a closed heart 

‘Begin with an open mind, not a closed heart’ is a compassionate alternative to ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ which suggests that when approaching a new situation or person, it’s important to keep an open mind and not let past experiences or biases cloud our judgment.

By approaching with an open mind, we can learn new things, gain new perspectives, and make better decisions. It also suggests that we should be empathetic and compassionate towards others, even if we don’t fully understand their experiences.

Person A: ‘I don’t want to work with that person, they’re from a different cultural background.’

Person B: ‘Let’s begin with an open mind, not a closed heart. We can learn a lot from each other’s cultural experiences and perspectives.’

20. Give someone a chance to prove you wrong 

‘Give someone a chance to prove you wrong’ serves as a call to action which can replace the use of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. It is used to suspend judgment and give people the opportunity to show us their true selves.

We often make assumptions about people based on our own biases or limited experiences, but by giving them a chance to prove us wrong, we can gain a deeper understanding of who they are.

Person A: ‘I don’t think I want to hang out with that person, they seem boring.’

Person B: ‘Why don’t you give them a chance to prove you wrong?’

While the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ may be overused, the concept is still important. Many factors determine a person’s character beyond superficial qualities.

As we’ve discussed, there are numerous other ways to express this idea that can help drive the message home.

Now that you’ve read this article, I hope you walk away with a fresh perspective and a willingness to see people for who they truly are on the inside.

Use what you’ve learned here to enrich your relationships and make meaningful connections with those around you.

Your ability to look past surface impressions may just change someone’s life for the better.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Entertainment
  • Sports Podcasts Better Planet Vault Mightier Autos Newsletters Unconventional Vantage Experts Voices
  • Subscribe for $1
  • Better Planet
  • Newsletters
  • Unconventional

Tiny Dog's Inspiring Message To 'Not Judge Book by Its Cover' Melts Hearts

A tiny dog has left the internet in stiches after making an incredible leap of faith over a muddy puddle.

The miniature Maltipoo showed why you should not judge a book by its cover as he soared over a muddy puddle to avoid getting his coat wet.

Maltipoos are tiny dogs which weigh between 5 and 15 pounds and grow up to 14 inches. They are a mix of the Maltese and the miniature or toy poodle, according to Embark Vet.

The pup showed you can be small and mighty as hysterical footage of him flying over a puddle at Richmond Park in London amassed 20.1 million views.

@lauraacastelli23 When i saw this… this was my face 🫨🫢 #flyingdog #puddle #richmondpark #dogwalkersoftiktok #dogwalking #foryoupage #fypシ゚viral #viraldogs ♬ hendriksvibes - hendriksvibes

His proud owner, Laura Castelli, shared on TikTok: "Never judge a book by its cover... Watch my little 5kg dog fly."

Thousands of TikTokers were left in awe of the pooch's agility, with many comparing him to a fairy.

Becca said: "He made sure you didn't have to clean of his feet by stepping in that puddle."

Berta said: "The way his back legs went up so high had me laughing so hard."

Others compared the dog's movement to the iconic Nike "swoosh."

Messyme said: "Bro was a squirrel in his past life," to which his owner responded: "And a ballerina?"

Castelli also revealed the reasoning behind her precious pet's daring leap in the comments. She said he does not like water nor muddy water, which she admitted makes her life a lot easier.

One user joked: "Pointed toes. Parallel legs. Straight elbows. Perfect form! Judges: 10! 10! 10! 10! 10!"

Maltipoo

In August, another memorable Maltipoo went viral after he pretended not to be able to walk so he could be carried downstairs by his owner like a baby.

Oakley the Maltipoo tricked his dad into picking him up and his owner, using the handle Oakleyofla, revealed the cunning pooch pretends every day his legs don't work so he is transported by his dad like a baby.

Another tiny Maltipoo melted hearts in March as Olive, a tiny puppy, sat for the first time in a video which garnered 6.1 million views.

Newsweek reached out to Laura Castelli for comment via Instagram . We could not verify the details of the case.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could appear on our site.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover

  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go

Newsweek cover

Top stories

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Your Hospital Is Under Cyberattack. Now What?

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Biden Admin Says Israel's Use of Arms May Have Violated International Law

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Dutch Eurovision Contestant Disqualified

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Karen McDougal Not Testifying Signals 'Bad News' for Trump—Legal Analyst

Don’t judge a book by its cover at Brewer Union Cafe in Brewerton (Dining Out Review)

  • Updated: May. 09, 2024, 12:02 p.m. |
  • Published: May. 09, 2024, 7:30 a.m.

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Brewerton, N.Y. — Since opening in 2020, Brewer Union Cafe has developed a reputation for elaborate, highly detailed breakfast dishes and award-winning burgers. Even though we know that chef-owner Christian Felix puts a great deal of attention into sourcing ingredients and crafting a menu, we weren’t expecting to sit down for dinner at the Brewerton diner to find seared duck, quail, and togarashi-seared mahi mahi on the menu.

Mahi Mahi is at the crossroads of flaky fish — think halibut — and steak-like swordfish fillets. Thick but delicate, the fish was crusted in Japanese-style togarashi seasoning — a blend of peppers, citrus, sesame seed, ginger, seaweed and other flavors — and served over one of the most inventive risotto preparations we have ever enjoyed.

More CNY Food & Drinks

  • Owners cite Cazenovia College closing in plan to move popular village bakery to Syracuse
  • Wendy’s, Little Caesars locations cited for restaurant inspection failures
  • TV star and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern reveals his favorite restaurants in the Catskills
  • Darwin’s Daryl McGrew on leadership: ‘Be the example that you want to see’
  • Central NY’s largest food truck gathering expands to a 2-day weekend festival

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

'A Man in Full' review: Tom Wolfe Netflix series is barely a glass half empty

assignment don't judge a book by its cover

Don't judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a TV show by its A-list pedigree ? Don't bet on it.

Netflix's new Atlanta mogul miniseries "A Man in Full" certainly looks like it should be the next big thing to take over our binge-watching hours. Created by David E. Kelley and directed partly by Regina King , "Man" has all the makings of prestige television: Movie stars as the lead characters. A literary tome (Tom Wolfe's 1998 novel) as its source material. Topical storytelling. Lots of profanity.

But looks can be deceiving. "Man" (now streaming; ★ ½ out of four) is that rare disappointment that adds up to less than the sum of its parts. The series is half-formed, a rough draft for something better down the line. And all the fake Southern accents from the likes of Jeff Daniels, Diane Lane and Lucy Liu can't magically create deeper characters, better scripts, or a fuller world to immerse yourself in. It's the fast fashion of television: Trendy, pretty, but very easily falls apart.

Interview: Jeff Daniels loads up for loathing in 'A Man in Full' with big bluster, Georgia accent

Charlie Croker (Daniels) is the favorite son of Atlanta. A Georgia Tech football hero turned real estate mogul, he has everything a man of distinction could want: Money, power, a beautiful young second wife (Sarah Jones) and the adoration of high society. Except one of those things is only a facade: Croker's companies are nearly a billion dollars in debt, and the bank has come calling. That charge is led by mousy Raymond Peepgrass (Tom Pelphrey), a middle manager whose hatred of Charlie goes beyond professional rivalry, and Harry Zale (Bill Camp), an alpha male wannabe out to beat Charlie in the financial arena.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

In chaos and about to lose everything, Charlie turns to his chief counsel, Roger White (Aml Ameen), a man with a strongly ingrained sense of justice, who tries to keep his hands clean amid the dirty dealings in Atlanta. Roger is currently being hounded by his old fraternity brother and incumbent mayor Wes Jordan (William Jackson Harper, "The Good Place") for help digging up dirt on his conservative opponent. And Roger is trying to help Conrad (Jon Michael Hill), a Black man who has been arrested after a racially fraught run-in with law enforcement.

Rounding out the already unwieldy story is Martha Croker (Lane), Charlie's ex-wife with plenty of hate for her former spouse, and her best friend Joyce Newman (Liu), who is trying to keep part of her past a secret amid the politicking in the city's elite.

It's a lot, and Kelley and the writers are never clear about who the star of this story really is. Is it Charlie, an Ozymandias-type king doomed to fail under his own hubris? Is it Raymond, the Iago channeling his insecurities into war with a stronger opponent? Is it Roger, a Black man torn up on the inside, a Don Quixote unsure about the realities of the world?

I'm using a lot of high-minded literary references because "Man" fancies itself a high-minded work of art, all metaphor, allegory and foils, the language of Wolfe's novel. But these devices are so weak they blow away in the wind.

The series misses the building blocks of good storytelling in pursuit of the cherries on top of the sundae. The characters aren't nearly deep enough, and it's impossible to discern most of their motivations. That's especially true of Harry, who hates Charlie for no good reason, and Martha, who has no personality that isn't related to her ex-husband. Joyce is a plot device dressed in fashionable high heels, and Charlie's wife Serena marks a criminal underuse of Jones, who proved herself deeply skilled in "For All Mankind."

Atlanta is the setting but it's meant to be more than that. It's meant to be the context of every scene and sentence of dialogue. It should be as deeply drawn as a fictional world like Westeros or Middle Earth. But other than Daniels' accent and the racist judge that Conrad faces, "Man" could be set in any major city in America. And that's not good enough.

Speaking of that accent, Daniels slathers it on his performance like too much gravy on biscuits. He seems to ooze rather than act. He's a cartoon character, which would work if the series was purely a soap opera. But it's trying. (and failing) to be more important than a soap. In one moment you see two horses mating and in another, a Black man is being swallowed whole by a legal system designed to ruin his life. The two halves don't mesh together.

There's a sense that Netflix was attempting to cash in on the lifestyles of the rich and famous schadenfreude from HBO's hit "Succession," which ended last year. But "Man" fails to achieve the scope or satire that made "Succession" so successful. There's a watchable quality you can find in any of Kelley's series. But the sheen wears off quickly. It's not addictive or delicious, no "Big Little Lies" or "Ally McBeal" drama to keep you wanting more.

Charlie can wax poetic about loyalty and goodness and masculinity all he wants, but at a certain point, "Man" becomes too easy to tune out.

And at that point, you might as well turn it off, too.

IMAGES

  1. Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

    assignment don't judge a book by its cover

  2. George Eliot Quote: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

    assignment don't judge a book by its cover

  3. George Eliot Quote: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” (12 wallpapers

    assignment don't judge a book by its cover

  4. Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

    assignment don't judge a book by its cover

  5. Don't judge a book by its cover Vector

    assignment don't judge a book by its cover

  6. Don t judge book by its cover. Inspirational motivational quote. Cute

    assignment don't judge a book by its cover

COMMENTS

  1. Don't (or Never) Judge a Book By Its Cover

    The expression "don't judge a book by its cover," sometimes rendered as you can't judge a book by its cover, is traced to the novel The Mill on the Floss, written by George Eliot in 1860. In the novel, the reference is to a physical book when the character, Mr. Tulliver, uses it when discussing Daniel Defoe's The History of the Devil:

  2. Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover Essay

    Answer 2: This phrase attributes to a 1944 edition of the African Journal American Speech which said 'You can't judge a book by its binding'. It went on to gain more popularity in the 1946 murder mystery 'Murder in the Glass Room' which stated 'You can never tell a book by its cover. Share with friends.

  3. Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover': Definition, Meaning and Examples

    To recap, we learned the following: 'Don't judge a book by its cover' means you shouldn't judge something or someone based on outward appearance. Remember, it means that you shouldn't judge people or things prematurely (before you meet them or before giving them a chance). If you ever forget any of this, you can always come back to ...

  4. Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

    The origin of the expression "don't judge a book by its cover" comes from George Eliot's "The Mill on the Floss," published in 1860. The phrase is not the modern version, but it lays the groundwork for the idiom. In the novel, the character of Mr. Tulliver uses it when discussing "The History of the Devil" by Daniel Defoe.

  5. What Does Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover Mean?

    Summary. The common saying and English idiom don't judge a book by its cover or can't judge a book by its cover means that you shouldn't form an opinion about a person, place, or thing just by looking at their or its outside appearance. After all, you can't tell what a book will be about just by glancing at its cover, just as you can ...

  6. 'to judge a book by its cover': meaning and origin

    Of American-English origin, the phrase to judge a book by its cover, and its variants, mean to make assumptions about someone or something based on appearance or on superficial characteristics.. This phrase is chiefly used in negative contexts, as you can't judge a book by its cover, don't judge a book by its cover, etc.. The metaphor conveyed by the phrase occurs in the Preface to Truth ...

  7. Don't judge a book by its cover

    The English idiom " don't judge a book by its cover ", also known as " never judge a book by its cover ", is a metaphorical phrase that means one should not judge the worth or value of something or someone by their outward appearance alone. For example, "That man may look very small and insignificant, but don't judge a book by its cover - he ...

  8. Don't Judge a Book by its Cover: Meaning and Importance

    The idiom "You can't judge a book by its cover" fundamentally encourages open-mindedness and the willingness to reserve judgment until we have more information. It reminds us that the external appearance of things is often just the surface, and true value or character might lie deeper. By resisting quick judgments, we open ourselves up to ...

  9. Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover

    1. Don't judge a book its cover refers to the idea that you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based on their appearance. 2. Just as a book's cover may not accurately represent its contents, a person's appearance may not reveal what they are like on the inside. 3. The phrase serves as a reminder that people or things ...

  10. Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

    Other Ways to Say/Synonyms. Here is the list of synonyms for the proverb "don't judge a book by its cover": Appearances are often misleading. All that is gold does not glitter. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes. Looks are deceiving. One sees clearly only with the heart. Don't just scratch the surface. Things aren't always as ...

  11. Never Judge A Book by Its Cover

    Answer. The saying "never judge a book by its cover" or "don't judge a book by its cover" means that you shouldn't judge someone or something based only on what you see on the outside or only on what you perceive without knowing the full situation. It means that the outward appearance of something is not an indication of its value or worth.

  12. Never Judge A Book By Its Cover

    Initially, the phrase, never judge a book by its cover, just like most other English phrases, had a literal meaning. It means, people usually buy books only by looking at the cover. Many good stories might be overlooked by them if they don't try to give a glance to what's inside the books. In 1944, this phrase was used for the very first ...

  13. Idiom: don't judge a book by its cover

    Meaning. Idiom: (you can't/never/don't) judge a book by its cover. Note : In book publishing, an enormous amount of attention is put into the design of a book's cover because most people will not carefully read through the book before making a purchase. As a result, the cover of a book often does not closely match the book's contents.

  14. What could be a thesis statement for "Don't judge a book by its cover

    These kinds of "book by its cover" assumptions creep into our social judgment calls every day. The essay that examines these assumptions would argue against them, of course, but could also ...

  15. 40 Never Judge a Book by its Cover Quotes

    Short never judge a book by its cover quotes. First appearance deceives many. — Ovid. My whole outlook in life is: never judge a book by its cover. — Floyd Mayweather. We should look to the mind, and not to the outward appearance. — Aesop. Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers. — Voltaire.

  16. YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

    YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER definition: 1. said to show that you cannot know what something or someone is like by looking only at that…. Learn more.

  17. 1 Samuel 16:7

    Samuel's limited perspective arose out of his inability to see beyond outward appearances. Since Eliab (and Saul!) had apparently been blessed with good looks, it was natural to assume that God's blessing would extend to leadership. But God states very clearly that there is much more involved: "The LORD looks on [better: "into"] the ...

  18. NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER (a small story)

    Jan 10, 2018. --. NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER (a small story) A girl by name Deepa went to school in the neighbouring village where she wasn't known well. For three weeks, she came to school ...

  19. Never judge a book by its cover—use student achievement instead

    Center for Economic Security and Opportunity. They say never judge a book by its cover. We need to start judging textbooks and other instructional materials using student achievement instead. In ...

  20. Don't judge a book by its cover Flashcards

    Terms in this set (7) Don't judge a book by its cover. Don't form an opinion of sth/ sb by their appearance only. aloof. not friendly towards others; synonym distant. diffident. not confident; not wanting to talk about yourself;synonym shy. gullible. easily fooled.

  21. Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover: Embracing Curiosity and

    Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover 2 highly relevant. It reminds us to embrace curiosity and an open mind, allowing us to learn valuable lessons from even the simplest things in life. This phrase extends beyond books and serves as a powerful reminder of how we tend to rely on external appearances to form our perceptions. The true essence of anything lies within, whether it be a living organism ...

  22. 20 Other Ways to Say "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover"

    8. Everyone has a backstory worth learning. 'Everyone has a backstory worth learning' is a beautiful way of saying 'don't judge a book by its cover' and a way of saying that everyone has a unique perspective and life experience that can teach us something valuable. This phrase encourages us to be more curious about others.

  23. Don't Judge a Book Report by its Cover

    A sassy 5th grader gets an assignment from school to write about an ancestor.&nbsp; What she discovers in her research is amazing and changes her way of looking at her family forever.&nbsp; Fun, interesting and inspiring for all of us to look a little deeper into our roots!

  24. The saying "don't judge a book by its cover" is dumb as fuck

    This isn't the point, the point is that you shouldn't judge anything by its exterior and you should value what's inside more XD. Some books have just plain covers or worn out or some just weren't lucky enough to have a good designer, so point is, you gotta read some pages then say it's bad not just look at the cover and say it's bad.

  25. Tiny Dog's Inspiring Message To 'Not Judge Book by Its Cover ...

    The miniature Maltipoo showed why you should not judge a book by its cover as he soared over a muddy puddle to avoid getting his coat wet. Maltipoos are tiny dogs which weigh between 5 and 15 ...

  26. dont judge a book by its cover

    115 Likes, TikTok video from Eddie And The Getaway (@eddieandthegetawaymusic): "dont judge a book by its cover 😤". don't judge a book by its cover. original sound - Eddie And The Getaway.

  27. Don't judge a book by its cover at Brewer Union Cafe in Brewerton

    Brewerton, N.Y. — Since opening in 2020, Brewer Union Cafe has developed a reputation for elaborate, highly detailed breakfast dishes and award-winning burgers. Even though we know that chef ...

  28. 'A Man in Full' review: Jeff Daniels Netflix show is glass half empty

    Don't judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a TV show by its A-list pedigree?Don't bet on it. Netflix's new Atlanta mogul miniseries "A Man in Full" certainly looks like it should be the ...

  29. Sheila Machado

    7 likes, 1 comments - iamqueenshayy on May 9, 2024: "I know I look like trouble I can't help it 路 ‍♀️ Though they do say don't judge a book by its cover #naturalbod...". Sheila Machado | I know I look like trouble I can't help it 🤷🏼‍♀️ Though they do say don't judge a book by its cover 📘💘 #naturalbod... | Instagram

  30. The new economic order

    The new economic order - Weekly edition of The Economist for May 11th 2024. You've seen the news, now discover the story.