not as black as (one) is painted

Like this video? Subscribe to our free daily email and get a new idiom video every day!

not as black as (one) is painted

Not as evil, malicious, or malignant as one is described or believed to be. Everyone is afraid of the old hermit who lives on the edge of town, but after having a few conversations with him, he's not nearly as black as he's painted. The biker gang plays up its tough demeanor and hellish reputation, but they're really just a bunch of regular guys and not as black as they're painted.

See also: black, not, painted

not as black as you are painted

INFORMAL

If someone is not as black as they are painted, they are not as bad as people generally consider them to be. I'm really not as black as I'm painted,' he said pointedly.

See also: black, not, painted

not as black as you are painted

not as bad as you are said to be. informal

The proverb the devil is not as black as he is painted , first recorded in English in the mid 16th century, was used as a warning not to base your fears of something on exaggerated reports.

See also: black, not, painted