- English translation
They were calling him as handsome as his father before they had even laid eyes on him.
- Literal wording
Before they had seen him, they said: 'Fine of build, like his father.'
- Meaning and lesson
On its face, the saying describes people who announce that someone is handsome and fine of figure like his father before they have set eyes on him. The praise comes before any look at the person, so the verdict rests on what was assumed about him rather than on anything actually observed.
The wording leaves its exact target open. It may gently mock compliments handed out sight unseen, or it may simply remark on the habit of presuming that a son will take after his father. Either way, the central image is a conclusion reached before the evidence has been seen.
- When it is used
Suited to moments when someone is praised or judged before anyone has actually met or seen him, particularly when the verdict leans on his father's qualities. It highlights that the judgment came first and the looking never happened.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: They were calling him as handsome as his father before they had even laid eyes on him.