20 Beauty Idioms and Their Meanings • 7ESL

Contents

Beauty idioms are fascinating expressions that add color and vividness to language when discussing appearance and attractiveness. In this reference, you will explore various idioms related to beauty and their meanings, accompanied by example sentences. Dive into this collection to enrich your vocabulary with charming and descriptive phrases.

List of Beauty Idioms

Idiom
As pretty as a peach	Fit for a queen
As fresh as a daisy	Fairest of them all
Blooming beauty	Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
A sight for sore eyes	Beauty is only skin-deep
Age before beauty	Cut a fine figure
A face that could launch a thousand ships	A thing of beauty is a joy forever
A vision of loveliness	Pretty as a picture
All dolled up	Beauty and the Beast
Dressed to kill	Dressed to the nines
Easy on the eyes	Put your face on

What are Beauty Idioms?

Idioms are phrases where the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words. When we talk about beauty idioms, we’re referring to expressions that relate to beauty and appearance, often used metaphorically to express a concept or opinion.

Here are some common examples of beauty idioms:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder: This means that what is beautiful to one person might not be to another. It emphasizes the subjectivity of beauty.
Put your face on A casual way of saying to apply makeup.
Beauty is only skin deep: True beauty isn’t just about physical appearance.

Common Beauty Idioms

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Meaning: This idiom means that perceptions of beauty are subjective and that what one person finds beautiful may not be the same for another.
Usage in context: It is often used when people have differing opinions about the attractiveness of something or someone.
Example: When Sarah showed her friends the abstract painting she had bought, they were divided in their opinions. She simply smiled and said, “Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Beauty is only skin-deep

Meaning: This idiom suggests that a person’s character and inner qualities are more important than their physical appearance.
Usage in context: It is typically used to emphasize that one should not judge others solely by their looks.
Example: After getting to know her rude coworker better, Jane remarked to a friend, “He may be handsome, but beauty is only skin deep. It’s what’s inside that counts, and he’s not very nice.”

Cut a fine figure

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who looks impressive and presents themselves well, often in terms of their physical appearance or attire.
Usage in context: It is used when someone wants to compliment another person’s appearance, especially when they are dressed formally or elegantly.
Example: Dressed in his new tailored suit for the gala, Michael certainly cut a fine figure as he entered the room, drawing admiring glances from many guests.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Meaning: This idiom, originating from a poem by John Keats, expresses the idea that beautiful things bring lasting pleasure.
Usage in context: It is used to describe something that is aesthetically pleasing and whose appreciation does not diminish over time.
Example: The meticulously landscaped garden, with its array of colorful flowers and artfully shaped hedges, was such that anyone could say a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Pretty as a picture

Meaning: This idiom is used to describe something or someone very attractive or charming, much like a beautiful image in a painting.
Usage in context: It is often used to compliment someone’s appearance, particularly when they look exceptionally well or picturesque.
Example: In her flowing summer dress and with her hair catching the light of the setting sun, Ella was pretty as a picture as she strolled in the meadow with her friends.

Using Beauty Idioms in Language

We see beauty idioms sparkle across various forms of communication, enriching our language with vibrant imagery. They add depth to our verbal and written exchanges, often encapsulating complex perceptions in a few words.

In Literature

In literature, beauty idioms are treasures that convey nuanced messages about aesthetics and values. A classic example is the idiom “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” illustrating the subjectivity of beauty. Characters might remark on the beauty of a scene or a person, shaped by their personal experiences and biases, providing insight into their characters and themes of the narrative.

In Everyday Conversation

We frequently use beauty idioms in our daily dialogues to express opinions and emotions regarding appearance or appeal. Informal exchanges are peppered with phrases like “Fits like a glove,” when something is just right, or “A face only a mother could love,” often said in jest about something less appealing. Here’s a quick glimpse at how we might use these idioms:

Compliments: “You look as fresh as a daisy this morning!”
Sympathy: “Don’t worry, what’s not gold can still glitter.”
Encouragement: “Even though you didn’t get the job, remember that every cloud has a silver lining. Something better might be waiting for you.”
Teasing: “I see you’re trying to grow a beard. It looks like you’ve got a bit of fuzz on the peach there, huh?”
Self-deprecation: “I’ve got more grey hair than a silver fox today. Time is catching up with me!”
Admiration: “Wow, you’ve outdone yourself for the party. You’re the belle of the ball.”
Criticism: “That plan wasn’t exactly the brightest bulb in the box, but I’m sure you’ll come up with something better.”

Beauty Idioms with Meaning and Example

Idioms	Meanings with Example Sentences
As pretty as a peach	Very pretty or attractive. Example: With her rosy cheeks, she’s as pretty as a peach.
As fresh as a daisy	To look or feel young, energetic, or refreshing. Example: After a good night’s sleep, he looked as fresh as a daisy.
Blooming beauty	Someone very attractive, often with a natural or healthy look. Example: She’s a real blooming beauty, especially in spring.
A sight for sore eyes	A person or thing that one is extremely pleased or relieved to see. Example: After the long journey, his family was a sight for sore eyes.
Age before beauty	A humorous way to yield to someone younger than oneself. Example: Go ahead, age before beauty—you take the first slice of cake!
A face that could launch a thousand ships	Extremely beautiful, often causing great emotion or conflict. Example: Her beauty was like Helen of Troy, a face that could launch a thousand ships.
A vision of loveliness	A person who looks exceptionally beautiful. Example: She was a vision of loveliness* in her wedding gown.*
All dolled up	Dressed very attractively or to look very special for an occasion. Example: She was all dolled up* for her birthday party.*
Beauty and the Beast	A pairing of two people where one is very attractive and the other is not. Example: They’re like Beauty and the Beast, but they’re perfect together.
Dressed to kill	Wearing clothes that attract admiration or envy. Example: She was dressed to kill* at the gala.*
Dressed to the nines	Wearing very fancy or stylish clothes. Example: For the premiere, they were all dressed to the nines.
Easy on the eyes	Pleasing to look at; attractive. Example: The new intern is certainly easy on the eyes.
The fairest of them all	The most beautiful. Example: In her elegant gown and with her graceful charm, she was the fairest of them all* at the ball.*
Fit for a queen	Suitable for someone with very high standards; very luxurious or elegant. Example: The hotel room was fit for a queen, with its lavish decor.

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Jim Manheim

Jim Manheim is a highly skilled writer, editor, and teacher from Michigan, with a wealth of experience and expertise in the English language, including slang and idioms. He is widely recognized as a word geek and a music enthusiast, as well as a grammar and writing expert, with a passion for language that shines through in his work.