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

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Philosophers well before Shakespeare suggested beauty was subjective.

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