Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

To judge a book by its cover

To evaluate people’s worth by their outward appearance

The most appropriate meaning of the given idiom "to judge a book by its cover" is to evaluate people’s worth by their outward appearance. It is a proverb that means to form an opinion about someone or something based on their superficial qualities, without considering their deeper qualities or merits. The idiom is thought to have originated in the 18th century, and it is believed to be a reference to the way that people often judge books by their cover, without actually reading them.

The other options for the meaning of the idiom are incorrect. To strictly follow the rules does not mean to judge a book by its cover. To be good at evaluating people does not mean to judge a book by its cover. To understand a difficult situation does not mean to judge a book by its cover.