not just a pretty face


be not just a pretty face

To have distinguishing achievements, intelligence, skills, or abilities beyond what was or may have been assumed. Sure I know how to fix your computer. I'm not just a pretty face, you know! A: "I didn't know Jerry had a PhD in engineering." B: "I guess he's not just a pretty face."See also: face, just, not, pretty

not just a pretty face

Having distinguishing achievements, intelligence, skills, or abilities beyond what was or may have been assumed. Although the opposite of the phrase ("just a pretty face") always indicates physical attractiveness, this version primarily emphasizes a person's contributions, with the assertion of attractiveness often being intended as humorous. Sure, I know how to fix your computer. I'm not just a pretty face, you know! Bob: "I didn't know Jerry had a PhD in engineering." Dave: "I guess he's not just a pretty face."See also: face, just, not, pretty

not just a pretty face

or

not just another pretty face

INFORMALIf you say that someone is not just a pretty face or not just another pretty face, you mean that they are intelligent as well as attractive. Diane is not just a pretty face, she is training to be a barrister. She's not just another pretty face. The model makes her living these days as a highly regarded personal fitness trainerSee also: face, just, not, pretty

not just a pretty face

intelligent as well as attractive.See also: face, just, not, pretty

not just a pretty ˈface

(humorous) used to emphasize that you have particular skills or qualities: ‘I hear you passed all your exams.’ ‘Yes, I’m not just a pretty face, you know!’See also: face, just, not, pretty

pretty face, more than a/not just a

Describing a person with more substance than mere physical beauty. Dating from the second half of the 1900s, the phrase was used for the title of a biography of screen actress Hedy Lamarr by Courtney Baalman (May 1999), which described her as a woman accomplished in many fields. In 2004, Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, known for his good looks, was described as “not just a pretty face” by columnist Laura Lasky. A Wall Street Journal article about women winning more seats in the Czech parliament was headlined “More Than Just Pretty Faces” (July 9, 2010). And an ad for a hand-crafted fireplace door read, “Face It. Not Just Another Pretty Face.”See also: just, more, not, pretty