things are seldom what they seem

things are seldom what they seem

Situations are often very different from the way that they appear at first glance. Social media paints this rosy picture that everyone else's lives are perfect, but things are seldom what they seem. I don't see any reason for this merger to be especially difficult. Things are seldom what they seem, though, so I suggest we still proceed with as much prudence and care as possible.
See also: seem, seldom, thing, what
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Things are seldom what they seem.

Prov. Things often appear different from what they really are. Emily seems to be a fine young lady, but be careful. Things are seldom what they seem. To judge from his elegant clothing and luxurious car, William was a wealthy man. But things are seldom what they seem; in fact, he was in desperate need of money.
See also: seem, seldom, Thing, what
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • things are seldom as they seem
  • picture
  • ride (one's) coattails
  • ride on (one's) coattails
  • ride on coattails
  • ride on someone's/something's coat-tails
  • ride (on) the coattails of (someone)
  • on the coattails of
  • on the coattails of (someone)
  • on the coat-tails of someone/something
References in periodicals archive
In dreams, things are seldom what they seem; memory selects details as far back as earliest childhood and as recently as the day before.