Cette vieille musicienne, elle payait pas d’mine, mais elle jouait vraiment bien !
I wonder if the expression « ne pas payer de mine » can only refer to one's deceptive appearance hiding one's true talent or character. Or can it also mean "one is not good-looking physically"?
I usually associate this locution with this meaning:
Her appearance belies her true talent as a musician.
But can it ever have an alternative meaning of:
She doesn't exactly shine in the physical attraction department, but her musical talent more than makes up for it.