Have you ever heard someone say “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” or “She’s a knockout” and wondered what they meant? These are idioms—special expressions that don’t always mean exactly what the words say. Instead, they help make English sound more colorful and natural.
In this article, you will learn 43 popular idioms about beauty. Some describe people who are very attractive, while others are more humorous or even a little sarcastic. For each idiom, you will find:
- Its meaning,
- Two examples showing how it’s used in a sentence,
- And some other ways to say it.
At the end, you’ll find fun exercises to practice what you’ve learned: a “fill in the blank” activity and a short quiz to test your memory.
Let’s get started and make your English more beautiful!
43 Idioms About Beauty (Idioms 1 to 20)
1. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Meaning: What one person finds beautiful, another might not. Beauty is personal.
In a Sentence (1): To me, that old painting is stunning. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
In a Sentence (2): He thinks his beat-up car is beautiful—well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Other Ways to Say: Everyone has their own taste, beauty is subjective
2. Dressed to the nines
Meaning: Wearing very fashionable or elegant clothes.
In a Sentence (1): She arrived at the party dressed to the nines in a red evening gown.
In a Sentence (2): He was dressed to the nines for his job interview, with a new suit and polished shoes.
Other Ways to Say: Very well dressed, looking sharp, dressed up
3. Pretty as a picture
Meaning: Very beautiful, like a perfect image.
In a Sentence (1): The bride looked as pretty as a picture in her wedding dress.
In a Sentence (2): That little cottage by the lake is pretty as a picture.
Other Ways to Say: Beautiful, lovely, charming
4. A sight for sore eyes
Meaning: Someone or something you’re happy to see.
In a Sentence (1): After days of hiking, the village was a sight for sore eyes.
In a Sentence (2): You’re a sight for sore eyes—I’ve missed you so much!
Other Ways to Say: A welcome sight, a delight to see
5. Face that could launch a thousand ships
Meaning: A face of incredible beauty (comes from a myth about Helen of Troy).
In a Sentence (1): They say she had a face that could launch a thousand ships—everyone was amazed by her beauty.
In a Sentence (2): He looked at her as if she had a face that could launch a thousand ships.
Other Ways to Say: Exceptionally beautiful, breathtaking
6. Easy on the eyes
Meaning: Pleasant to look at; attractive.
In a Sentence (1): The actor is not only talented but also easy on the eyes.
In a Sentence (2): Her garden is so neat and colorful—really easy on the eyes.
Other Ways to Say: Attractive, good-looking, nice to look at
7. Look like a million dollars
Meaning: Look very good, often because of clothing or grooming.
In a Sentence (1): You look like a million dollars in that suit!
In a Sentence (2): After the makeover, she looked like a million dollars.
Other Ways to Say: Look amazing, very stylish, glowing
8. She’s a knockout
Meaning: She’s extremely beautiful or attractive.
In a Sentence (1): Wow, she’s a knockout in that dress.
In a Sentence (2): Everyone turned to look—she’s a knockout.
Other Ways to Say: Stunning, breathtaking, gorgeous
9. He’s a dreamboat
Meaning: He’s very handsome and charming.
In a Sentence (1): All the girls think he’s a dreamboat with that smile and those eyes.
In a Sentence (2): In those old movies, every hero is a dreamboat.
Other Ways to Say: Handsome, heartthrob, attractive man
10. Cute as a button
Meaning: Very cute, especially in a small or sweet way.
In a Sentence (1): Your baby is cute as a button in that little hat.
In a Sentence (2): The puppy was cute as a button, running around the yard.
Other Ways to Say: Adorable, sweet, charming
11. Drop-dead gorgeous
Meaning: Extremely beautiful.
In a Sentence (1): She walked into the room, drop-dead gorgeous in a black dress.
In a Sentence (2): That model is drop-dead gorgeous—you can’t take your eyes off her.
Other Ways to Say: Stunning, breathtaking, incredibly attractive
12. Picture of health
Meaning: Looks very healthy and full of life.
In a Sentence (1): After the vacation, she returned as the picture of health.
In a Sentence (2): At 70, he’s still running marathons and is the picture of health.
Other Ways to Say: Very healthy, glowing, fit and strong
13. A head-turner
Meaning: Someone who grabs attention because of their beauty.
In a Sentence (1): She’s always been a head-turner with her elegant style.
In a Sentence (2): That sports car is a real head-turner—everyone stares at it.
Other Ways to Say: Eye-catching, stunning, attractive
14. Steal the show
Meaning: Attract all the attention, often due to beauty or presence.
In a Sentence (1): At the fashion show, her outfit stole the show.
In a Sentence (2): Even with famous actors around, she stole the show with her charm.
Other Ways to Say: Stand out, take the spotlight, outshine others
15. Dressed to kill
Meaning: Dressed in a way that is very attractive and likely to impress.
In a Sentence (1): He came to the date dressed to kill in a sleek suit.
In a Sentence (2): She’s always dressed to kill when there’s a party.
Other Ways to Say: Very stylish, dressed up, glamorous
16. As pretty as a peach
Meaning: Very pretty, soft and lovely.
In a Sentence (1): She looked as pretty as a peach in her new summer dress.
In a Sentence (2): That child is as pretty as a peach, always smiling.
Other Ways to Say: Sweet-looking, lovely, delicate
17. She has a certain je ne sais quoi
Meaning: She has an unexplainable charm or beauty.
In a Sentence (1): She’s not the most beautiful, but she has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes her unforgettable.
In a Sentence (2): There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about her that people are drawn to.
Other Ways to Say: Mysterious charm, unique appeal, special vibe
18. He’s got rugged good looks
Meaning: He looks strong and handsome in a rough or natural way.
In a Sentence (1): With his beard and outdoor style, he’s got rugged good looks.
In a Sentence (2): He’s not polished, but his rugged good looks are very appealing.
Other Ways to Say: Masculine beauty, handsome in a natural way
19. A living doll
Meaning: Someone, usually a woman or girl, who looks very pretty and delicate like a doll.
In a Sentence (1): Your daughter is a living doll in that pink dress.
In a Sentence (2): She’s a living doll—small, sweet, and always smiling.
Other Ways to Say: Very cute, like a doll, darling
20. A perfect 10
Meaning: Someone who is considered extremely attractive, like a perfect score.
In a Sentence (1): Everyone agreed—she’s a perfect 10 on looks and personality.
In a Sentence (2): He walked in, tall and confident, a perfect 10 in every way.
Other Ways to Say: Flawless, very attractive, top-rated
21. Not a hair out of place
Meaning: Someone looks very neat, tidy, and well-groomed.
In a Sentence (1): She looked perfect at the interview, not a hair out of place.
In a Sentence (2): Even after the storm, her appearance had not a hair out of place.
Other Ways to Say: Very neat, perfectly styled, well-groomed
22. All dolled up
Meaning: Dressed up very nicely, often with makeup and accessories.
In a Sentence (1): She was all dolled up for the wedding, wearing a sparkling dress.
In a Sentence (2): He noticed she got all dolled up just to go shopping.
Other Ways to Say: Dressed up, glammed up, looking fancy
23. Radiate beauty
Meaning: To naturally show beauty or positive energy.
In a Sentence (1): Even without makeup, she radiates beauty and kindness.
In a Sentence (2): On her wedding day, she radiated beauty from the inside out.
Other Ways to Say: Glow with beauty, shine, look radiant
24. Fair of face
Meaning: Beautiful or pretty, especially in facial features.
In a Sentence (1): The girl was fair of face, with bright eyes and soft skin.
In a Sentence (2): He was drawn to her because she was so fair of face.
Other Ways to Say: Lovely face, pretty, attractive
25. To have a face for radio
Meaning: A humorous way to say someone is not very attractive.
In a Sentence (1): He joked that he has a face for radio, not TV.
In a Sentence (2): She laughed and said her brother has a face for radio.
Other Ways to Say: Not very good-looking (jokingly), plain
26. To scrub up well
Meaning: To look good after getting cleaned and dressed nicely.
In a Sentence (1): He usually wears old clothes, but he scrubs up well for parties.
In a Sentence (2): Wow! You really scrub up well—you look fantastic tonight.
Other Ways to Say: Clean up nicely, look great when dressed up
27. Looker
Meaning: A very attractive person.
In a Sentence (1): She’s a real looker—everyone turns to stare at her.
In a Sentence (2): He may be quiet, but he’s definitely a looker.
Other Ways to Say: Good-looking, attractive person, eye-candy
28. To have killer looks
Meaning: To be extremely attractive.
In a Sentence (1): With her killer looks and charm, she could be a model.
In a Sentence (2): He has killer looks and knows it!
Other Ways to Say: Striking appearance, gorgeous, stunning
29. To be a vision of loveliness
Meaning: To look extremely beautiful.
In a Sentence (1): She walked into the room like a vision of loveliness.
In a Sentence (2): On her birthday, she was a true vision of loveliness in that dress.
Other Ways to Say: Absolutely beautiful, glowing, angelic
30. To have a magnetic personality
Meaning: To attract others easily because of charm and beauty.
In a Sentence (1): People love being around her—she has a magnetic personality.
In a Sentence (2): His smile and kindness give him a magnetic personality.
Other Ways to Say: Charismatic, charming, attractive personality
31. To have a winning smile
Meaning: To have a smile that is charming or attractive.
In a Sentence (1): He convinced the customers with his winning smile.
In a Sentence (2): Her winning smile made everyone feel welcome.
Other Ways to Say: Charming smile, attractive grin
32. To be easy on the pocket, but not on the eyes
Meaning: Something that is affordable but not attractive.
In a Sentence (1): This hotel is easy on the pocket, but not on the eyes.
In a Sentence (2): That car is cheap, but it’s not much to look at—easy on the pocket, not on the eyes.
Other Ways to Say: Cheap but ugly, budget-friendly but not stylish
33. To be all fur coat and no knickers
Meaning: Looks stylish or fancy but lacks real value or substance (British idiom).
In a Sentence (1): She talks big, but she’s all fur coat and no knickers.
In a Sentence (2): That company looks impressive but is all fur coat and no knickers.
Other Ways to Say: All show and no substance, flashy but empty
34. To be as ugly as a mud fence
Meaning: Very unattractive (harsh and humorous).
In a Sentence (1): He may be nice, but he’s as ugly as a mud fence.
In a Sentence (2): That old dog is loyal but as ugly as a mud fence.
Other Ways to Say: Very unattractive, not good-looking
35. To have a face that would stop a clock
Meaning: Very unattractive or shocking in appearance.
In a Sentence (1): They say he has a face that would stop a clock—poor guy.
In a Sentence (2): It’s just a joke, but that actor has a face that would stop a clock.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely unattractive, harsh-looking
36. Beauty is only skin deep
Meaning: A person’s looks do not show their true character.
In a Sentence (1): She may be pretty, but beauty is only skin deep.
In a Sentence (2): Remember, beauty is only skin deep—what matters is inside.
Other Ways to Say: True beauty is inner beauty, looks aren’t everything
37. Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something only by appearance.
In a Sentence (1): He looks tough, but he’s kind—don’t judge a book by its cover.
In a Sentence (2): That restaurant may look plain, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
Other Ways to Say: Appearances can be misleading, look deeper
38. Mutton dressed as lamb
Meaning: An older person trying to dress like someone much younger (usually a woman).
In a Sentence (1): She’s over 60 but wears mini-skirts—it’s mutton dressed as lamb.
In a Sentence (2): Critics said the singer looked like mutton dressed as lamb at the event.
Other Ways to Say: Inappropriately dressed, dressing too young
39. All that glitters is not gold
Meaning: Something that looks good on the outside may not be good inside.
In a Sentence (1): He seems charming, but all that glitters is not gold.
In a Sentence (2): That job offer sounds perfect, but remember—all that glitters is not gold.
Other Ways to Say: Not everything shiny is valuable, looks can deceive
40. The apple of someone’s eye
Meaning: Someone very special and loved.
In a Sentence (1): Her little daughter is the apple of her eye.
In a Sentence (2): He’s the apple of his grandmother’s eye.
Other Ways to Say: Someone cherished, beloved person
41. A rose between two thorns
Meaning: A beautiful or kind person among two less pleasant people.
In a Sentence (1): With two grumpy brothers, she was the rose between two thorns.
In a Sentence (2): At the meeting, she sat between two angry men—a real rose between two thorns.
Other Ways to Say: The best in a bad group, a shining light among darkness
42. He’s no oil painting
Meaning: He’s not very handsome (humorous or kind).
In a Sentence (1): He’s no oil painting, but he’s a great guy.
In a Sentence (2): She admitted her date was no oil painting, but very funny.
Other Ways to Say: Not attractive, plain-looking
43. To have a face only a mother could love
Meaning: Very unattractive—only someone who truly loves them could see beauty.
In a Sentence (1): He joked that with his big ears, he had a face only a mother could love.
In a Sentence (2): That dog is so funny-looking, it has a face only a mother could love.
Other Ways to Say: Very unattractive (humorously), unique-looking
Exercises to Practice
Instructions: Read each sentence and choose the correct idiom from the list you’ve learned to complete it. Answers are at the end of this section.
- After her makeover, she __________________. Everyone stared in amazement.
- I know he’s not __________________, but he has a great heart and sense of humor.
- That view of the mountains is __________________. I could stare at it all day.
- On her wedding day, the bride was __________________, glowing with happiness.
- I don’t care what others say—__________________. I think he’s very attractive.
- My grandmother calls me __________________ and always gives me extra dessert.
- Don’t trust that deal just because it looks good—remember, __________________.
- The actress __________________ in the final scene and got a standing ovation.
- He usually looks rough, but for the party, he really __________________.
- Wow! Look at you! You’re __________________ in that tuxedo!
- I love her energy and charm—she really __________________.
- She wears miniskirts at 60… some say she’s __________________.
- Your baby is __________________ in that little outfit!
- He’s not __________________, but I find his confidence attractive.
- They said she had a __________________—people just couldn’t stop looking at her.
- I know she’s pretty, but __________________. What matters is her kindness.
Answer Key
- looked like a million dollars
- a perfect 10
- a sight for sore eyes
- a vision of loveliness
- beauty is in the eye of the beholder
- the apple of her eye
- all that glitters is not gold
- stole the show
- scrubbed up well
- dressed to kill
- has a magnetic personality
- mutton dressed as lamb
- cute as a button
- no oil painting
- face that could launch a thousand ships
- beauty is only skin deep
Quiz – Test Your Knowledge!
Choose the best answer for each question. Answers are at the end of this quiz.
1. What does “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” mean?
A) Beauty is always the same for everyone
B) Only artists can understand beauty
C) Different people find different things beautiful
D) Beauty is always on the outside
2. If someone is “dressed to kill,” what are they doing?
A) Wearing dangerous clothes
B) Wearing very fashionable and attractive clothing
C) Wearing all black
D) Dressing in a scary costume
3. What does “drop-dead gorgeous” describe?
A) Someone who is angry
B) Someone who is sleepy
C) Someone who is extremely beautiful
D) Someone who is ill
4. Which idiom means “someone or something that is very pleasant to look at”?
A) Face only a mother could love
B) A sight for sore eyes
C) Mutton dressed as lamb
D) All fur coat and no knickers
5. What does “to have a magnetic personality” mean?
A) You are good at science
B) You often get shocked
C) People are naturally attracted to your personality
D) You stay away from people
6. What does “don’t judge a book by its cover” teach us?
A) Always read books carefully
B) People should dress better
C) You can’t trust good-looking people
D) Don’t make decisions just based on appearance
7. If someone says “He’s no oil painting,” what do they mean?
A) He’s very artistic
B) He’s very handsome
C) He’s not very attractive
D) He’s messy
Answer Key
- C) Different people find different things beautiful
- B) Wearing very fashionable and attractive clothing
- C) Someone who is extremely beautiful
- B) A sight for sore eyes
- C) People are naturally attracted to your personality
- D) Don’t make decisions just based on appearance
- C) He’s not very attractive
Conclusion
Great job! You’ve just learned 43 popular idioms about beauty. These expressions will help you speak more like a native English speaker and make your language more colorful and natural.
Remember, idioms don’t always mean what the words say. That’s why it’s important to see them in context—like we did with the examples and exercises.
Here’s what you should do next:
- Review the idioms regularly to remember them.
- Try using them when speaking or writing in English.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s how we learn!
And always keep in mind: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” What matters most is how you see the world—and how you express it with confidence.
Keep practicing, and you’ll be speaking beautifully in no time!
