Beauty buys no beef.

Physical attractiveness cannot, by itself, pay for food or meet other material needs. The proverb contrasts an admired quality with the resources needed for everyday life.

More broadly, it warns against treating appearance as a substitute for practical means. Someone may be pleasing to look at yet still need money, work, or other concrete support.

Use this proverb to challenge a decision based chiefly on looks when material needs also matter. It suits a discussion in which someone is overlooking practical considerations in favor of appearance.