Ч78

HE ТАК СТРАШЕН ЧЁРТ, КАК ЕГО МАЛЮЮТ (saying) although the person, place, phenomenon etc in question is bad, he or it is not so terrible as he or it seems to be or is said to be ( usu. said to hearten s.o. who fears some new place, some unfamiliar circumstances, some person in a position of power etcalso used to describe one's experiences at such a place, in such a circumstance, or with such a personoccas. used in response to another's attempt to intimidate one): - the devil is not so (as) black as he is painted.