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Region: General | Usage example: He thought the sculpture was ugly, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Meaning

Perception of beauty varies between people.

Usage

Used when people disagree over taste or preferences.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Philosophers well before Shakespeare suggested beauty was subjective.

Recorded in English by the early 19th century, echoing ancient wisdom.

Related Idioms

On the fence

Undecided between options.

Between a rock and a hard place

Stuck between two negative options.

Between the devil and the deep blue sea

Trapped between two dangerous or unpleasant options.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.