# not as black as one is painted

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-as-black-as-one-is-painted
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

not as bad as one is said to be

## Examples

- He is not as black as he is painted by others.
- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.