Not as black as he/she/it is painted

Pro Tip 1/3

The phrase often depicts the difference between reputation and true nature, similar to judging a book by its cover.

Despite the rumors about the new teacher, she's not as black as she's painted.

Pro Tip 2/3

It's used when someone turns out to be better than expected, revealing a positive side.

The villagers feared the outsider, but he wasn't as black as he was painted.

Pro Tip 3/3

Understand it's a set expression, used figuratively, and not related to actual color.

My brother warned me about his friend, but he isn't as black as he is painted.