«اِلْوِش قَلْعِةِ السُّلْطَانْ»

The saying holds that the face is the part of a person on public display, much as a ruler's fortress is visible to everyone. The image is about visibility, not strength or royal power. Because everyone sees it, the face becomes the deciding measure of good looks.

The flip side is that the rest of the body stays hidden under clothing, so plainness or defects there do little harm to a person's reputation for beauty. A handsome face carries the overall impression, and concealed shortcomings go largely unnoticed by others.

Fits talk of attractiveness or first impressions, to say a pleasing face matters most and hidden flaws count for little. Because it ranks worth by appearance, it can sound dismissive; quote it about a real person with care.