The proverb “all that glitters is not gold“ suggests that not everything that looks appealing or valuable on the outside is actually worthwhile or good.
Meaning of “all that glitters is not gol“
Deceptive appearances: The proverb serves as a warning that appearances can be misleading; something that seems attractive may lack real worth or quality.
Example:
“The used car looked fine but didn’t run well at all. ‘Ah, yes,’ thought Bill, ‘all that glitters is not gold.'”
(In this case, the car appeared appealing but had underlying problems, illustrating that its shiny exterior did not reflect its true value.)
Example:
“When Mary was disappointed about losing Tom, Jane reminded her, ‘All that glitters is not gold.'”
(Here, Jane is suggesting that although Tom may have seemed desirable, he might not have been the right choice for Mary.)
Usage and tone
- Cautionary message: This proverb is often used to advise caution when evaluating people or situations based solely on their outward appearance.
- Common in everyday language: Frequently used in conversations, literature, and discussions to emphasize that deeper examination is necessary to determine true value.
Equivalent expressions
- Looks can be deceiving: Highlights that outward appearances may not accurately reflect reality.
- Not all that sparkles is valuable: A similar sentiment emphasizing the distinction between appearance and worth.
The proverb “all that glitters is not gold“ serves as a timeless reminder to look beyond superficial qualities and to seek true value, as appearances can often be deceptive.
