Skin-deep

Skin-deep describes something superficial, shallow, or lacking depth of meaning, feeling, or understanding. It suggests a focus on outward appearances or surface-level qualities rather than genuine substance or profoundness. The term implies a lack of thoroughness or true understanding, and often denotes something that is easily affected or changed. This can apply to emotions, relationships, beauty, knowledge, and other concepts where a more comprehensive understanding is expected.

Skin-deep meaning with examples

• Their appreciation of art was only skin-deep; they were impressed by the colors but didn't understand the deeper symbolism or the artist's intention.
• He formed only Skin-deep relationships with colleagues at work, never going beyond superficial conversations about the weather.
• The politician’s promises of change were quickly revealed to be Skin-deep, failing to address any underlying issues.
• The cosmetic changes to the building were skin-deep; they looked modern but the underlying structure remained unstable and inefficient.
• Her attempts to appear confident were Skin-deep, masking an inner vulnerability that only close friends knew.