Ask About English Q37: 'stupid is, as stupid does''

What exactly does the phrase

"Stupid is, as stupid does" mean?

Thank you. Jana


Hi Jana

Basically it means that if someone does something stupid then they are stupid. It is a way of saying that you should judge people by their actions not by other factors (appearance, voice..etc)

Other similar expressions are:

"Beauty is, as beauty does"
"Handsome is as handsome does."

Hope this helps

Matt