the cowl does not make the monk

the cowl does not make the monk

One's appearance or behavior in public does not indicate one's true character. A "cowl" is the hooded robe worn by a monk. My aunt goes to church every week, but she is actually a miserable, malicious person. I guess it's true that the cowl does not make the monk.
See also: does, make, not
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • (one's) day in court
  • be remembered as (something)
  • be remembered as/for something
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • at (one's) expense
  • be in somebody's good graces