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Maj Posted 23 years ago
Grammar

Saying

Is there a saying that says something like " It is not gold all that shines". It is used to say sth about appearances, isn't it?
  

Top answer

In English I think we generally say "all that glitters is not gold". The origin goes way back, but Shakespeare used it in 'The Merchant of Venice'. As you said, it does refer to appearances, it means that something that looks good on the outside may, in fact, be worthless.

— Lib

  • In English I think we generally say "all that glitters is not gold".
  • The origin goes way back, but Shakespeare used it in 'The Merchant of Venice'.
  • As you said, it does refer to appearances, it means that something that looks good on the outside may, in fact, be worthless.
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6 Answers
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In English I think we generally say "all that glitters is not gold". The origin goes way back, but Shakespeare used it in 'The Merchant of Venice'. As you said, it does refer to appearances, it means that something that looks good on the outside may, in fact, be worthless.
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We have that saying in German, maj:

"Es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt."
-> It's not everything gold, that shines/gleams/glows.
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Can I use it on a beautiful girl?

A. Look at her. She's a looker, isn't she?
B: All that glitters is not gold
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New2grammarCan I use it on a beautiful girl?

A. Look at her. She's a looker, isn't she?
B: All that glitters is not gold

It's not a common phrase, but I suppose it could work.

In your dialogue, a more related phrase is: "Beauty is only skin-deep."
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How about a new car model?

A: Check out this new car.
B: All that glitters is not gold.
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