beauty is but skin-deep

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

Synonym of beauty is only skin deep.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Beauty is but skin-deep, and age or fickneſs ſoon withers this flower, when grace and goodneſs are more durable

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “beauty is but skin-deep” mean?

Synonym of beauty is only skin deep.

Is “beauty is but skin-deep” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.