handsome is as handsome does

handsome is as handsome does

proverb One's character is more important than one's physical attractiveness. Would you go out with my friend Doug? I know you don't think he's very good-looking, but he's just the nicest guy, and handsome is as handsome does.
See also: does, handsome
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Handsome is as handsome does.

Prov. It is more important to treat people well than to be good-looking.; Just because you are good-looking does not mean you are a good person. Jill: I'd like to get to know George better. Jane: Why? Jill: He's so handsome. Jane: Handsome is as handsome does. He's a very unpleasant person.
See also: does, handsome
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

handsome is as handsome does

How one acts is more important than how one looks. For example, He may be homely, but he's the kindest man I've ever met-handsome is as handsome does. This expression already appeared in John Ray's 1670 collection of proverbs.
See also: does, handsome
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

handsome is as handsome does

or

pretty is as pretty does

OLD-FASHIONED
You say handsome is as handsome does or pretty is as pretty does, to mean that you should judge someone by their actions and not by their appearance. Handsome is as handsome does, my mother and grandmother always said in order to prevent self-admiration. Yes, she's pretty — but pretty is as pretty does.
See also: does, handsome
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

handsome is as handsome does

character and behaviour are more important than good looks. proverb
In this particular form the proverb dates from the mid 17th century. When used of behaviour, handsome really means ‘chivalrous’ or ‘genteel’, though in this saying it is taken to refer to good looks. The original sense is made clear in the earlier version: goodly is he that goodly dooth .
See also: does, handsome
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

handsome is as handsome does

Actions, not appearances, are what count. This proverb was already an “ancient adage” in 1580 (Anthony Monday, Sunday Examples) when it was put as “goodly is he that goodly dooth”; it appeared in modern form in John Ray’s proverbs of 1670 and has been repeated over and over by numerous writers.
See also: does, handsome
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • at doorstep
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at (one's) expense
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • at the end of (one's) fingertips
  • be remembered as (something)
  • be remembered as/for something
  • be in someone's good graces
References in classic literature
"Handsome is as handsome does," quoted the Shaggy Man; "but we must admit that no living scarecrow is handsomer.
The Patchwork Girl of Oz
Handsome Merigo Handsome is as handsome does. You look pretty good to me, Merigo!
CHATROOM The best of your emails
A I WONDER if you know a phrase my granny used to use - 'handsome is as handsome does'.
Boyfriend wants me to be loud lover
Yet, handsome is as handsome does, and the physical force and skill of these dancers tell less of impressive technique than of careful rehearsal--rehearsal that probably dwells heavily on the articulation of the upper body.
Toronto Dance Theatre