judge a book by its cover
To make judgments about things or people by considering external appearances alone.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You should not judge a book by its cover.”
“The new manager looked quiet and shy, but I learned not to judge a book by its cover when she led the team to success.”
“While the dilapidated building appeared abandoned and uninviting, one must never judge a book by its cover, for the interior housed a vibrant and thriving community center.”
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bad books
Disfavor.
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balance the books
To add up all the debits and credits.
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Barnaby Rudge
[Cockney slang]judge
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blot one's copy book
To damage one's own reputation through bad behavior.
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blow someone's cover
To reveal that someone's behavior, situation, or identity has been fabricated or deliberately misrepresented for an ulterior motive.
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book burning
Any mass destruction, removal, or recalling of books, motion pictures, broadcasts, or electronic works as a form of censorship, especially motivated by religious or political objections to the material.
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book dumping
The practice of donating old used books that burden rather than assist communities.
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book in
To check in (to a hotel).
Last updated August 10, 2026