judge

*sober as a judge 

1. Cliché very formal, somber, or stuffy. (*Also: as ~.) You certainly look gloomy, Bill. You're sober as a judge. Tom's as sober as a judge. I think he's angry.

2. Cliché not drunk; alert and completely sober. (*Also: as ~.) John's drunk? No, he's as sober as a judge. You should be sober as a judge when you drive a car.

See also: sober

judge something on its own merits

to evaluate something on its own good and bad points and nothing else. You must judge this proposal on its own merits. The proposal has not been judged on its own merits.

See also: merit

judge between (someone or something and someone or something else)

to decide between people or things, in any combination. You can't expect me to judge between apples and oranges, can you? Can you judge between the prosecution and the defense?

Judge not, lest ye be judged. and Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Prov. If you condemn other people, then they will have the right to condemn you, so it is best not to condemn them. (Biblical.) Jill: I'm sure Gloria is the one who's been stealing from petty cash. She's so sloppy, nasty, and ill-mannered. Don't you think she'd be capable of theft? Jane: Judge not, lest ye be judged.

judge one on one's own merits

to evaluate one on one's own good and bad points and no one else's. Please judge Janet on her own merits. I was judged on my own merits.

See also: merit, one

judging by something and judging from something

to make a decision or judgment based on something. Judging by the amount of food eaten, everyone must have been very hungry. Judging from the mess that's left, the party must have been a good one.

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any [judge/lawyer/teacher etc.] worth their salt

any judge, lawyer, teacher etc. who is good at their job Any lawyer worth his salt should be aware of the latest changes in taxation. No judge worth her salt would attempt to influence the jury.

See also: any, salt, worth

be as sober as a judge

to not be at all drunk It's awful when everyone else around you has been drinking and you're as sober as a judge.

See also: sober

You can't judge a book by its cover.

something that you say which means you cannot judge the quality or character of someone or something just by looking at them She doesn't look very intelligent, but you can't judge a book by its cover.

See also: book, cover

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not judge a book by its cover

to not be able to really know about someone or something by simply looking at them She doesn't look very bright, but you can't judge a book by its cover.

See also: book, cover