por fora, bela viola; por dentro, pão bolorento

Portuguese

Etymology

Rhythmic proverb. Literal meaning: "Outside, a nice viola. Inside, mouldy bread."

Proverb

por fora, bela viola; por dentro, pão bolorento

1. beauty is only skin deep (a person’s character is more important than their outward appearance)
2. a person appears to have good intentions, but in fact has not

See also

Proverbs with similar meaning:

• quem vê cara não vê coração