What does “The devil is not so black as he is painted.” mean?
"The devil is not so black as he is painted" means that someone may not be as bad as people say they are. It suggests that we should not believe everything we hear or judge someone based on rumors or hearsay.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Don't believe everything you hear about him. The devil is not so black as he is painted. He might actually be a decent person.
Example
People love to exaggerate and spread rumors. The devil is not so black as he is painted. We shouldn't judge someone without knowing the whole story.
Example
Before you make assumptions about someone, remember that the devil is not so black as he is painted. Give them a chance to prove themselves
Is “The devil is not so black as he is painted.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The devil is not so black as he is painted.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “The devil is not so black as he is painted.” effectively in context?
You can use "The devil is not so black as he is painted" to caution against judging someone solely based on rumors or hearsay. It emphasizes the need to give people a fair chance and not believe everything we hear. For example, if someone is being criticized or spoken poorly of, you might say, 'Don't be too quick to judge. Remember, the devil is not so black as he is painted.'
1Friendship
Before you believe the gossip about your friend, remember that the devil is not so black as he is painted. Talk to them directly and hear their side of the story.
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When you hear negative things about a colleague, keep in mind that the devil is not so black as he is painted. Give them the benefit of the doubt and form your own opinion based on your interactions with them.
3Media
In a world of sensationalized news and clickbait headlines, it's important to remember that the devil is not so black as he is painted. Take the time to research and verify information before forming judgments.
Similar phrases to “The devil is not so black as he is painted.”:
Don't judge a book by its cover
To not form an opinion about someone or something based solely on appearances
Example
She may seem quiet, but don't judge a book by its cover. She's actually very talented and outgoing.
Actions speak louder than words
To judge someone based on what they do rather than what they say
Example
He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words. I'll wait and see if he actually follows through.
Give someone the benefit of the doubt
To believe someone's statement or trust their intentions without strong evidence
Example
I'm not sure if he's telling the truth, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The devil is not so black as he is painted.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The devil is not so black as he is painted" is unknown.
Is “The devil is not so black as he is painted.” common in everyday conversation?
"The devil is not so black as he is painted" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still known and understood by many English speakers.
What tone does “The devil is not so black as he is painted.” have?
"The devil is not so black as he is painted" conveys a tone of caution and skepticism. It encourages critical thinking and reminds us not to rush to judgment based on appearances or rumors.
Can “The devil is not so black as he is painted.” be used in informal and formal settings?
"The devil is not so black as he is painted" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that conveys a valuable lesson about not judging others unfairly. You can use it in various contexts, such as conversations with friends, discussions at work, or even in writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Before you judge him, remember that "the devil is not so black as he is painted".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "the devil is not so black as he is painted".' to imply the need for caution.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- appearances can be deceiving
- not everything is as it seems
- take rumors with a grain of salt
- don't jump to conclusions
- hear both sides of the story
Antonyms
- believe everything you hear
- judge a book by its cover
- form opinions based on rumors
- jump to conclusions
- trust hearsay
