all that glitters is not gold
Things that have an outward appeal are often not as beautiful or valuable as they seem. I don't know if that necklace from the flea market will have the resale value you're anticipating. All that glitters is not gold, you know. A: "I want to grow up to be a movie star, then I won't have a care in the world!" B: "Just remember that all that glitters is not gold. The pressures of fame can be difficult." Yeah, that car is exquisite-looking, but it's not very well made—my friend has one, and it's in the shop practically every week. Talk about "all that glitters is not gold."
Gary Glitter
The anus, when used in reference to anal sex. Primarily heard in US, Australia, South Africa.
glitter with (something)
To shimmer or twinkle with something. Katie's engagement ring looked especially stunning as it glittered with sunlight. The front of the costume glittered with crystals. Lydia's eyes glittered with emotion as she listened to the toast in her honor.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
All that glitters is not gold,
and All that glistens is not gold.Prov. Just because something looks attractive does not mean it is genuine or valuable. (Often said as a warning.) Hollywood may look like an exciting place to live, but I don't think you should move there. All that glitters is not gold. I know Susie is popular and pretty, but don't befooled by that. All that glitters is not gold.
glitter with something
1. to sparkle with something. Her earrings glittered with many tiny diamonds. The tree glittered with tiny ice crystals.
2. [for eyes] to shine with a strong emotion. Her eyes glittered with anger. The eyes of the great beast glittered with ravenous hunger.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
all that glitters is not gold
Something attractive is not always what it seems, as in This house is really beautiful, but a close look will show dry rot near the foundation-all that glitters is not gold . Aesop stated the same idea in two of his fables (c. 600 b.c.), and a version close to the current wording appeared in 1175.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
all that glitters is not gold
or all that glistens is not gold
If you say all that glitters is not gold or all that glistens is not gold you mean that something or someone may not be as good or as valuable as they first appear. If these offers seem too good to be true, just remember that all that glitters is not gold and you would be well-advised to read the small print. Yes, he's good-looking and he has a nice lifestyle, but all that glistens is not gold.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
all that glitters is not gold
the attractive external appearance of something is not a reliable indication of its true nature. proverbFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
ˌall that ˌglitters/ˌglistens/ˌglisters is not ˈgold
(saying) not everything that seems good, attractive, etc. is actually good, etc: Don’t imagine that because they are rich, they are happy. All that glitters is not gold.The verbs in this idiom all mean ‘shine brightly’.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
all that glitters is not gold
Appearances can be deceiving. A proverbial saying since the late Middle Ages, it appears in numerous languages to this day. O. Henry wrote a story entitled “The Gold That Glittered,” and two other writers observed in addition that “all isn’t garbage that smells.”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer