proverb · Words worth keeping
A leaden sword in an ivory scabbard.
A leaden sword in an ivory scabbard.
In print by 1893 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
An impressive outer covering can conceal something poorly suited to its purpose. The sword and scabbard contrast practical effectiveness with attractive presentation, encouraging attention to what an object or proposal can actually do.
What the words are saying
The valuable-looking scabbard houses a sword imagined as ineffective because it is made of lead. The image places ornamental promise around an inadequate instrument. A figurative reading concerns an appealing package whose contents do not deliver what is needed. It can prompt someone to look beyond polished wording or fine presentation to a proposal’s working substance. Attractive design is not itself a fault and may serve a useful purpose. The problem is a mismatch between the impression and the capability. The proverb therefore asks for a practical examination of the contents, rather than an automatic suspicion of anything beautiful.
Everyday example
A beautifully printed workshop programme offers no clear activities or arrangements for participants.
When to use it
Use it when presentation exceeds practical substance.
What it does not mean
Good presentation can support effective work; it is not evidence of emptiness.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional proverb
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1893 AD · industrial
In print by 1893: recorded in Dictionary of Quotations (1893). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- Dictionary of Quotations (1893) (1893 AD)
Printed citation: Pr. · page_007
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.