PhrasesHub

Not all that glitters is gold

    Definitions

      • things are not always as they seem
        To caution against judging something or someone based on their outward appearance or initial impression, as they may not live up to expectations or be as valuable as they appear

      • not everything is valuable or worthwhile
        To remind someone that not everything that appears attractive or desirable is actually valuable or worth pursuing, and that they should exercise caution before committing to something.

      • warning against deception
        To warn someone to be wary of being deceived by appearances, as things that may seem valuable or attractive could turn out to be deceptive or false.

    Examples of Not all that glitters is gold

    • Sarah was drawn to the flashy jewelry in the store window, but her friend warned her, "Not all that glitters is gold. Some of those pieces might be fake."

      This idiom means that things that appear valuable or attractive may not actually be worthwhile or genuine. In this example, Sarah is attracted to the shiny jewelry, but her friend cautions her that not all of it is real or of high quality.

    • John interviewed several candidates for the job, but he was skeptical of their qualifications. He knew that "not all that glitters is gold" and wanted to ensure that he hired the best person for the job.

      In this example, John is aware that not everyone who seems impressive or qualified is actually the best candidate for the job. He wants to make sure that he hires someone who is truly skilled and reliable.

    • Emily saw an advertisement for a weight loss supplement that promised quick and easy results. She was skeptical, remembering the old saying, "not all that glitters is gold." She did some research and found that the supplement had negative side effects and was not effective for weight loss.

      In this example, Emily is wary of a product that seems too good to be true. She remembers the idiom "not all that glitters is gold" and does some research to verify the claims made by the advertisement. She discovers that the product is not as effective as it claims to be and may have negative side effects.

    • Sarah's boss offered her a promotion, but she was hesitant. She remembered the old saying, "not all that glitters is gold," and wanted to make sure that the promotion was really in her best interests.

      In this example, Sarah is cautious about accepting a promotion that seems attractive at first. She remembers the idiom "not all that glitters is gold" and wants to make sure that the promotion is truly beneficial for her career. She may consider factors such as the additional workload, the salary, and the potential for advancement before making a decision.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "not all that glitters is gold" serves as a warning or caution against making judgments based solely on appearances. It emphasizes the idea that things are not always as they seem and that not everything that appears attractive or valuable is actually worthwhile. This can be applied to various situations, from material possessions to people and their intentions.

    The idiom also highlights the concept of deception and reminds us to not be easily fooled by superficial appearances. It reminds us to look beyond the surface and not be swayed by flashy or appealing things.

    Origin of "Not all that glitters is gold"

    The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was first used in the poem "The Romance of the Rose" by French poet Jean de Meun. In the poem, the phrase "all is not gold that glitters" was used to caution against being deceived by appearances.

    Over time, the phrase evolved into its current form and has been used in various literary works and everyday conversations. It has become a common proverb that is used to convey a universal truth about the nature of things and the importance of looking beyond the surface.

    Examples of this idiom can be found in popular culture, such as in the song "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin and in the play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare. It continues to be a relevant phrase in today's society, reminding us to not be blinded by appearances and to always look for the true value and worth of things.