All that glitters is not gold

1. Things that appear on the surface to be of great value may be quite worthless.

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Adams acknowledged that while all that glitters is not gold, the Rams’ foundation under McVay and their personnel and mindset give them an opportunity to be a championship-caliber team.

From Los Angeles Times

But the New York attorney general indicated soon after that all that glitters is not gold.

From Salon

While you may not always see them strike a deal, you’re always guaranteed a chuckle and a reminder that all that glitters is not gold.

From New York Times

Maybe all that glitters is not gold after all?

From Los Angeles Times

In the Hollywood world of make-believe all that glitters is not gold.

From BBC