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L’habit ne fait pas le moine (Don’t judge a book by its cover)

L’habit ne fait pas le moine (Don’t judge a book by its cover)

The French expression l’habit ne fait pas le moine translates literally to “the clothes don’t make the monk” and means “don’t judge a book by its cover” or “appearances can be deceiving”.

l’habit ne fait pas le moine

don’t judge a book by its cover

L'habit ne fait pas le moine - French expression: Don't judge a book by its cover.

Example sentence

Cet homme parraît très sympathique et généreux mais en réalité il est égoïste et malheureux. N’oublie pas: l’habit ne fait pas le moine.

This man appears to be very nice and generous but in reality he’s selfish and unhappy. Don’t forget: don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

There are two related adages:

  • Il ne faut pas se fier aux apparences. One must not trust appearances.
  • Les apparences sont souvent trompeuses. Appearances can be deceiving.

Expression origin

This expression dates back to the 13th century and is related to the Latin expression barba non facit philosophum or “la barbe ne fait pas le philosophe” (the beard does not make the philosopher).

Reference
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David Issokson
David Issokson is the founder and French teacher of Frenchlearner.com. With over 30 years of experience as a French learner and speaker, he is passionate about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone. David is dedicated to providing clear, practical, and effective resources to help you master French. Learn more about FrenchLearner on our about us page. Visit davidissokson.com, David's personal website.

David Issokson

David Issokson is the founder and French teacher of Frenchlearner.com. With over 30 years of experience as a French learner and speaker, he is passionate about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone. David is dedicated to providing clear, practical, and effective resources to help you master French. Learn more about FrenchLearner on our about us page. Visit davidissokson.com, David's personal website.

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