the lion is not so fierce, as he (too|) is painted
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use to imply that appearances or reputations can be deceiving and should not be relied upon to judge someone or something's true character or abilities
The origin of the proverb "the lion is not so fierce, as he is painted" can be traced back to Aesop’s fables, where it appears in various forms. It serves as a reminder not to be intimidated by appearances, as fears and threats are often exaggerated or overestimated. The proverb encourages people to look beyond initial impressions and not allow misleading views to dictate their reactions.
- The athlete was intimidated by his opponent's reputation, but soon discovered that the lion is not so fierce as he is painted.