proverb · Words worth keeping
The devil was handsome when he was young.
The devil was handsome when he was young.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
An attractive beginning does not establish good character or a trustworthy outcome. The devil’s youthful beauty warns against judging conduct by charm, without condemning beauty or youth themselves.
Example
A club considers the responsibilities and track record behind a charming candidate’s introduction before choosing its coordinator.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The saying gives an admired appearance to the figure used for evil. Its reversal separates looking appealing from acting well. Applied to a proposal or a person’s presentation, the image asks what lies behind the first impression and whether later conduct supports it. It need not imply that an attractive person is deceptive, or that youth conceals a bad future. The devil belongs to the source’s rhetorical image; the explanation does not turn that image into a claim about a supernatural history.
When to use it
Use it when a persuasive first impression is being treated as sufficient evidence of trustworthiness.
Keep in mind
Do not equate attractiveness or youth with dishonesty; assess the particular conduct and evidence.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (French-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown