He is not as black as he is painted by others.
not as black as one is painted
idiomnot as bad as one is said to be
Although the new manager has a reputation for being strict, he is not as black as he is painted.
While the public perception of the politician remains overwhelmingly negative, those who know him personally argue that he is not as black as he is painted.
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as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
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as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
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back to square one
Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
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beat as one
To share the same feelings.
- 05
become one flesh
To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.
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bite off more than one can chew
To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.
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bite the big one
To perform poorly; to fail.
- 08
bite the hand that feeds one
To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).
Last updated April 17, 2026