What does “Appearances are deceitful.” mean?
"Appearances are deceitful" means that this proverb cautions that things are not always what they seem. It emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the surface to gain a more accurate understanding of someone or something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Don't be fooled by his charming smile and fancy clothes. Appearances are deceitful. There might be something shady going on behind the scenes.
Example
She may seem like a perfect candidate for the job, but appearances are deceitful. It's crucial to thoroughly assess her qualifications and experience.
Example
The house may look beautiful from the outside, but appearances are deceitful. It's essential to inspect the interior and check for any hidden issues
Is “Appearances are deceitful.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Appearances are deceitful.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Appearances are deceitful.” effectively in context?
You can use "Appearances are deceitful" to remind someone to not judge solely based on outward appearances and to encourage them to look beyond surface-level impressions. For example, if a friend is considering buying a used car that looks great but has a suspiciously low price, you might say, 'Remember, appearances are deceitful. Make sure to thoroughly inspect the car and check its history before making a decision.'
- 1Relationships
He seems like a nice person, but appearances are deceitful. It's important to take the time to get to know him better before forming any judgments.
- 2Job Interviews
The candidate appears confident and well-prepared, but appearances are deceitful. It's crucial to ask probing questions and assess their skills and qualifications thoroughly.
- 3Real Estate
The house looks perfect from the outside, but appearances are deceitful. It's essential to hire a professional inspector to check for any hidden issues before making an offer.
Similar phrases to “Appearances are deceitful.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Appearances are deceitful.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Appearances are deceitful" is unknown.
Is “Appearances are deceitful.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Appearances are deceitful" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to caution against making judgments based solely on appearances and to emphasize the importance of looking deeper to uncover the truth.
What tone does “Appearances are deceitful.” have?
"Appearances are deceitful" conveys a tone of skepticism and caution. It suggests that things may not always be as they seem and encourages a critical mindset when evaluating situations or people.
Can “Appearances are deceitful.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Appearances are deceitful" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys a universal truth. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal contexts such as presentations, discussions, or written essays.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't be fooled by appearances; they are deceitful.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "appearances are deceitful"!' to caution someone about making snap judgments.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- don't be fooled
- don't be swayed by appearances
- look beyond the surface
- question first impressions
- dig deeper
Antonyms
- trust your instincts
- believe what you see
- take things at face value
- accept appearances
- judge solely on looks
