Meaning of the word "the devil is not so black as he is painted" in English
What does "the devil is not so black as he is painted" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
the devil is not so black as he is painted
US /ðə ˈdɛvəl ɪz nɑt soʊ blæk æz hi ɪz ˈpeɪntəd/
UK /ðə ˈdɛvəl ɪz nɒt səʊ blæk æz hi ɪz ˈpeɪntɪd/
Idiom
used to say that a person or thing is not as bad as people say they are
Example:
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I was terrified of meeting the new boss, but the devil is not so black as he is painted.
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Don't believe everything you hear about that neighborhood; the devil is not so black as he is painted.