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Manser, Martin H. "appearances are deceiving." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 17 Apr. 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=DOP00062>.
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appearances are deceiving

Definition 
Things are not always as they seem, and you cannot necessarily trust the evidence of your eyes: "Ahem—nothing of this, eh, Selden? As one of the family, I know I may count on you—appearances are deceptive—and Fifth Avenue is so imperfectly lighted" (Edith Wharton, The House of Mirth, 1905). The proverb was first recorded in 1666, in an Italian proverb collection, but the sentiment it expresses can be found in one of the fables of Aesop (sixth century B.C.), which also gave rise to the figurative phrase a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Variant of this proverb: appearances are deceptive.

Proverbs expressing similar meaning: all that glitters is not gold; a good horse cannot be of a bad color.

Proverbs expressing opposite meaning: if it looks like a duck walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it's a duck; what you see is what you get.

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