由表及里 yóu biǎo jí lǐ

DEFINITIONS

  1. to proceed from the outside to the inside
  2. to see the essence merely by looking at the superficial appearance

CHARACTERS

由 yóu
HSK 4
cause, reason; from
表 biǎo
HSK 2
show, express, manifest, display
及 jí
HSK 4
extend; reach; come up to; and
里 lǐ
HSK 1
unit of distance; village; lane