x

Folder Sign In:

Incorrect Username / Password

Email Address:

 

Password:

 

Create New Account      Password Reminder

x

Folder Sign In:

You've Successfully Logged In!

x

Create New Account:

You do not need to sign in to use this database. However, signing in gains you access to a personal folder that you can use to save items. These items will be archived and made available to you during future database sessions.

Email Address:

 

Password:

 

Already Have Account      Password Reminder

x

Folder Sign In:

You've Successfully Created a New Account!

x

Password Reminder:

Enter your email address and we will send you your password for your Saved Items Folder Account Sign In.

E-mail Address:

 

x

Password Reminder:

Reminder Email sent!

x

E-mail Article:

Send this article to the following E-mail address. Use commas to separate multiple addresses.

E-mail Address:

 

x

E-mail Article:

Article sent!

x
Citation Information
How to Cite
Manser, Martin H. "all that glitters is not gold." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 17 Apr. 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=DOP00039>.
x
Record URL
To refer to this page or share this page with others, copy and paste this link:
http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=DOP00039

all that glitters is not gold

Definition 
People and things are not always as attractive or valuable as they seem: "'I do wish I hadn't a penny in the world, then I should know who my true friends were.' 'Poor little lass! She has found out that all that glitters is not gold, and the disillusion has begun,' said the doctor to himself" (Louisa May Alcott, Rose in Bloom, 1876). The proverb occurs in Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice (2:7) in the form "All that glisters is not gold," but the sentiment it expresses was first recorded c. 1220.

Variant of this proverb: all is not gold that glitters.

Proverb expressing similar meaning: appearances are deceiving.

Return to Top Return to Top