A broken leg is not healed by a silk stocking.

An attractive outward change does not resolve a serious underlying problem. The stocking may improve appearances, but the leg still needs treatment.

The proverb warns against mistaking presentation for repair. A response is inadequate when it conceals damage rather than addressing what caused it.

Use this proverb when someone proposes a cosmetic improvement in place of a substantive remedy, such as polishing the presentation of a plan while leaving its central flaw untouched.