English Reference
Idiom idiom

fine feathers make fine birds


Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He wears expensive clothes because he believes fine feathers make fine birds.

CONTEXTUAL

She bought the most luxurious outfit for the gala, convinced that fine feathers make fine birds.

COMPLEX

While the candidate presented a polished exterior to the board, the investors remained skeptical, knowing that fine feathers make fine birds but rarely guarantee true substance.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little bird told me

    I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.

  2. 02

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  3. 03

    bird in the bosom

    A secret pledge that one makes for another.

  4. 04

    bird of ill omen

    A person who brings bad news.

  5. 05

    bird of one's own brain

    One's own idea or conception.

  6. 06

    birds and bees

    Informal education about sex.

  7. 07

    birds of a feather

    People having similar characters, backgrounds, interests, or beliefs.

  8. 08

    birds of a feather flock together

    People of similar character, background or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another; it is easier to establish friendships with people that one has a lot in common with.

Last updated August 10, 2026