Не всё то золото, что блестит
With accent marks:
Не всё то зо́лото, что блести́т.
Translation:
Not everything that glitters is gold.
Meaning:
This proverb is known in many languages of the world. The origins of this expression are not known, but it is often attributed to the ancient Greek poet Aesop. In Latin, the expression sounds like «Non omne quod nitet aurum est».
The meaning of the proverb is simple: not everything that looks valuable has value in reality. This applies not only to the physical world, wealth and gold. A person may seem nice and smart, but in fact turn out to be mean and cowardly. An idea may feel right but hide a sinister intention.
Other Russian proverbs
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One in the field is not a warrior.
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Кабы знал, где упасть, так соломки бы подстелил
If I knew where I would fall, I would lay some straw there.
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Лучше горькая правда, чем сладкая ложь
Bitter truth is better than sweet lies.
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You see your friends in the times of trouble.
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In a quiet whirlpool, demons live.
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Silent means consent.
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Better late than never.
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The eyes are scared, but the hands are doing.
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