handsome is as handsome does

Idioms  

1. How one acts is more important than how one looks. For example, He may be homely, but he's the kindest man I've ever met—handsome is as handsome does. This expression already appeared in John Ray's 1670 collection of proverbs.

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Example Sentences

‘But handsome is as handsome does, as we say in the Shire; and I daresay we shall all look much the same after lying for days in hedges and ditches.’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Handsome enough, your Honor," he said, "unless handsome is as handsome does.

From To Have and to Hold by Johnston, Mary

Beauty is skin deep, and handsome is as handsome does," I paraded my English "Oh, she is a good girl every way: a fine housekeeper, good-natured, and educated.

From The Rise of David Levinsky by Cahan, Abraham

She taught her that it isn't handsome is as handsome does, but the boots and shoes, after all.

From The Spread Eagle and Other Stories by Morris, Gouverneur

Mrs. MacCall said that "handsome is as handsome does."

From The Corner House Girls Growing Up What Happened First, What Came Next. And How It Ended by Hill, Grace Brooks