be (not) as black as (someone or something) is painted

To be as bad or unpleasant as someone or something is rumored to be. This phrase is often used in the negative to convey the opposite. That class is as black as it is painted—I've never had so much homework in my life! Mr. Stewart may yell a lot, but he's not as black as he is painted—he's actually helped me carry my groceries many times. I really doubt that Amanda is behind this heinous prank. I've gotten to know her pretty well, and she's really not as black as she is painted.

he, it, etc. is not as black as he, it, etc. is ˈpainted

he, it, etc. is not as bad as people say: The boss is not as black as she’s painted; in fact, I find her quite helpful and friendly.