be not just a pretty face

To have distinguishing achievements, intelligence, skills, or abilities beyond what was or may have been assumed. Sure I know how to fix your computer. I'm not just a pretty face, you know! A: "I didn't know Jerry had a PhD in engineering." B: "I guess he's not just a pretty face." The actor was a teen heartthrob when he was younger, but he has a PhD in engineering now. I guess he's not just a pretty face.

See also: face, just, not, pretty

not just a pretty face

Having distinguishing achievements, intelligence, skills, or abilities beyond what was or may have been assumed. Although the opposite of the phrase ("just a pretty face") always indicates physical attractiveness, this version primarily emphasizes a person's contributions, with the assertion of attractiveness often being intended as humorous. Sure, I know how to fix your computer. I'm not just a pretty face, you know! Bob: "I didn't know Jerry had a PhD in engineering." Dave: "I guess he's not just a pretty face."

See also: face, just, not, pretty

not just a pretty face

not just another pretty face

INFORMAL

If you say that someone is not just a pretty face or not just another pretty face, you mean that they are intelligent as well as attractive. Diane is not just a pretty face, she is training to be a barrister. She's not just another pretty face. The model makes her living these days as a highly regarded personal fitness trainer

See also: face, just, not, pretty

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

not just a pretty face

intelligent as well as attractive.

See also: face, just, not, pretty

not just a pretty ˈface

(humorous) used to emphasize that you have particular skills or qualities: ‘I hear you passed all your exams.’ ‘Yes, I’m not just a pretty face, you know!’

See also: face, just, not, pretty

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