Don't go by appearances
Meaning
It is unwise to form opinions or make judgments based only on someone's or something's outward look or superficial presentation.
Origin
Imagine the ancient world, where a quick glance might be the difference between a fair deal and a costly swindle. Farmers judged the health of livestock, artisans the quality of materials, and warriors the strength of their enemies, all based on external cues. Yet, time and again, appearances proved deceptive. A glittering gem might be paste, a humble exterior could hide vast riches, and the bravest face might mask the most cowardly heart. This constant, universal struggle to discern truth from superficiality, to pierce through the outer shell to the essence within, gradually crystallized into the common wisdom: "Don't go by appearances." It became humanity's shared warning, a concise command born from countless experiences of being fooled or pleasantly surprised, reminding us that reality often holds a deeper, more complex truth than what first meets the eye.
Examples
- The old house looked dilapidated, but don't go by appearances; inside, it was beautifully renovated and very cozy.
- He seemed shy and quiet at first, but don't go by appearances; he's actually a very charismatic leader once you get to know him.