16 Idioms About Beauty

Introduction

Language is a beautiful tapestry woven together with idioms that add color and depth. Idioms can be a fun and engaging way to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas uniquely. This article will explore idioms related to beauty, which can elevate your conversations and writing.

Hook with a Relatable Example

Have you ever looked at a stunning painting and exclaimed, "It’s a work of art!"? Beauty is subjective, and how we express it can be influenced by culture, language, and personal experience. Using idioms related to beauty can help you convey your appreciation in a way that’s both memorable and impactful.

Explain What Idioms Are

Idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning different from their literal interpretation. They often reflect cultural philosophies and social beliefs, enriching the language and making communication more engaging.

Focus on Idioms Related to Beauty

In this article, we’ll focus on 16 idioms that relate specifically to beauty. Each idiom will include meanings, examples, and alternative expressions to help you fully understand and use them in context.

Say There Will Be Examples, Exercises, and Quiz

Are you ready? Let’s dive into the world of beauty idioms, complete with examples and exercises to solidify your understanding!

1. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Meaning: What one person finds beautiful, another may not.
In a Sentence: Beauty can vary greatly from one individual to another.
Example 1: "Some people think modern art is amazing, but I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Example 2: "You may not like her dress, but remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Other ways to say it: Beauty is subjective.

2. Beauty and brains

Meaning: Someone who is both intelligent and attractive.
In a Sentence: It’s not common to find a person who excels in both looks and intellect.
Example 1: "She’s not just a pretty face; she’s got beauty and brains."
Example 2: "Finding someone with both beauty and brains is rare."
Other ways to say it: Smart and attractive.

3. A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Meaning: Beautiful things bring lasting happiness.
In a Sentence: Good art can provide joy for a long time.
Example 1: "That sculpture you bought is indeed timeless; a thing of beauty is a joy forever."
Example 2: "The old tree in the park is truly a thing of beauty; a joy forever."
Other ways to say it: Beauty lasts.

4. Beauty sleep

Meaning: Sleep that is thought to help one look better.
In a Sentence: Getting enough sleep is essential for looking refreshed.
Example 1: "I need to get my beauty sleep so I can look good tomorrow."
Example 2: "After a week of poor sleep, she finally caught up on her beauty sleep."
Other ways to say it: Restorative sleep.

5. Skin deep

Meaning: Beauty that is superficial or only on the outside.
In a Sentence: True beauty is more than just appearances.
Example 1: "Remember, beauty is skin deep, and character is what truly matters."
Example 2: "She may be attractive, but I prefer friends who are kind because beauty is skin deep."
Other ways to say it: Superficial beauty.

6. March to the beat of your own drum

Meaning: To do things your own way; to be unique.
In a Sentence: Individuality is a form of beauty in itself.
Example 1: "He’s not afraid to march to the beat of his own drum, showcasing his unique style."
Example 2: "She shows that true beauty is when you march to the beat of your own drum."
Other ways to say it: Be unique.

7. Mirror, mirror on the wall

Meaning: Refers to someone asking for validation of their beauty.
In a Sentence: Self-reflection is essential for self-acceptance.
Example 1: "She often says, ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?’"
Example 2: "In the story, the queen asks, ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, what does true beauty mean?’"
Other ways to say it: Seeking validation.

8. Like a breath of fresh air

Meaning: Something that is refreshing and pleasing.
In a Sentence: New ideas can rejuvenate our perspective.
Example 1: "The artist’s work is like a breath of fresh air in the gallery."
Example 2: "Her smile was like a breath of fresh air in a crowded room."
Other ways to say it: Refreshing change.

9. A pretty penny

Meaning: Something that is expensive.
In a Sentence: Beauty often comes with a price.
Example 1: "That handbag costs a pretty penny, but it’s gorgeous."
Example 2: "The renovations to the house certainly cost a pretty penny!"
Other ways to say it: A significant amount.

10. Dressed to kill

Meaning: Dressed very elegantly or attractively.
In a Sentence: First impressions can be powerful.
Example 1: "She arrived dressed to kill for the gala."
Example 2: "Everyone was dressed to kill for the wedding."
Other ways to say it: Elegantly dressed.

11. Beauty is power

Meaning: Attractive people often have advantages.
In a Sentence: Looks can influence various aspects of life.
Example 1: "In many careers, beauty is power, especially in sales."
Example 2: "She learned that sometimes, beauty is power in social settings."
Other ways to say it: Attractive individuals have advantages.

12. The beauty of the beast

Meaning: Finding something attractive in something traditionally seen as ugly.
In a Sentence: Every situation has elements that can be perceived differently.
Example 1: "The abandoned house had its own charm; it was the beauty of the beast."
Example 2: "When I look deeper, I see the beauty of the beast."
Other ways to say it: Finding beauty in the unexpected.

13. All that glitters is not gold

Meaning: Not everything that looks good is valuable.
In a Sentence: We should not judge solely on appearances.
Example 1: "Just because she seems perfect doesn’t mean she is; all that glitters is not gold."
Example 2: "That car may look luxurious, but remember, all that glitters is not gold."
Other ways to say it: Appearances can be deceiving.

14. Beauty is skin deep

Meaning: True beauty is about more than looks.
In a Sentence: Character matters more than appearance.
Example 1: "He may be handsome, but his attitude proves that beauty is skin deep."
Example 2: "She often reminds us that beauty is skin deep and kindness is key."
Other ways to say it: Inner beauty matters.

15. All eyes are on you

Meaning: You attract attention, often due to your beauty.
In a Sentence: Being the center of attention can feel overwhelming or exciting.
Example 1: "When she walked in wearing that stunning dress, all eyes were on her."
Example 2: "At the award ceremony, he knew that all eyes were on him."
Other ways to say it: The center of attention.

16. Beauty will save the world

Meaning: Artistic and beautiful aspects of life have the power to transform.
In a Sentence: Art, music, and love can uplift humanity.
Example 1: "Through her poetry, she believes that beauty will save the world."
Example 2: "His paintings show that beauty will save the world."
Other ways to say it: Art has the power to change lives.

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

1. In fashion, __ can be expensive.
2. He certainly knows how to dress; he’s always __.
3. Remember, __; appearances can be misleading.
4. She believes that __ can improve your mood.
5. That garden is a __; what a joy to see!
6. We’ve learned that __; being kind matters most.
7. Her style is __; she’s not afraid to be herself.
8. Sometimes, __; we shouldn’t merely judge looks.
9. That restaurant cost __, but the food was worth it!
10. The old castle has a __; there’s charm in its decay.
11. She arrived, and __; all heads turned.
12. The painting felt like a __; it truly captivated me.
13. What a thoughtful gift! __, indeed.
14. During the performance, __; it was captivating.
15. The beauty of the sunset reminds us that __; it can have a lasting effect.
16. She loves to express that __; it offers a new perspective.

Answer Key for Exercise 1

1. beauty and brains
2. dressed to kill
3. all that glitters is not gold
4. beauty sleep
5. thing of beauty is a joy forever
6. beauty is skin deep
7. marching to the beat of her own drum
8. beauty is in the eye of the beholder
9. a pretty penny
10. beauty of the beast
11. all eyes are on her
12. breath of fresh air
13. a thing of beauty is a joy forever
14. beauty will save the world
15. beauty is in the eye of the beholder
16. beauty is skin deep

Exercise 2 – Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What does ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ mean?
   A. Beauty is subjective
   B. Beauty is universal
   C. All beauty is the same
   D. Beauty is constant

2. What does ‘beauty sleep’ refer to?
   A. Sleeping well to look good
   B. Sleeping in a beautiful place
   C. Sleeping during the night
   D. Looking at beautiful things while awake

3. When can we say ‘dressed to kill’?
   A. When someone is dressed casually
   B. When someone looks very attractive
   C. When someone is in pajamas
   D. When someone is late for an event

4. What does ‘skin deep’ imply?
   A. Beauty has many layers
   B. Outer beauty does not reflect inner beauty
   C. Beauty is about appearance
   D. Beauty is all around

5. What does ‘a pretty penny’ mean?
   A. Something that’s cheap
   B. Something expensive
   C. Something valuable but not costly
   D. Something colorful

6. What is meant by ‘mirror, mirror on the wall’?
   A. Asking for help
   B. Seeking validation
   C. Looking for guidance
   D. Talking to oneself

7. What does ‘all that glitters is not gold’ mean?
   A. All beautiful things are valuable
   B. Appearances can be deceiving
   C. Beauty usually lasts
   D. Wealth is attractive

Answer Key for Exercise 2

1. A
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. B
6. B
7. B

7 Tips to Remember Idioms About Beauty

1. Use them in sentences: Practice writing and speaking with idioms regularly.

2. Create flashcards: Write idioms on one side and their meanings on the other.

3. Visualize: Connect idioms with pictures or scenarios to remember them better.

4. Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how idioms are used in conversation, movies, or podcasts.

5. Practice with friends: Have conversations that include idioms to build confidence.

6. Draw connections: Relate idioms to your experiences or culture to make them more memorable.

7. Review regularly: Set aside time to revisit idioms frequently to reinforce your memory.

Conclusion

In this article, you have learned 16 idioms related to beauty, along with their meanings and examples. By understanding and practicing these expressions, you can enrich your language and make your conversations more engaging. Try using 2–3 idioms today, and watch how they brighten your conversations! Keep exploring the beauty not only in language but also in life around you.