Signification
Appearances can be deceiving; not everything that looks valuable actually is.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, the use of 'reluce' is the standard in literature and formal speech, maintaining a link to the Golden Age of Spanish literature. Mexicans almost exclusively use 'No todo lo que brilla es oro'. Using 'reluce' might sound a bit formal or 'from Spain' to a Mexican ear. Similar to Mexico, 'brilla' is preferred. Argentines might also use 'Es puro grupo' (It's all a lie/fake) in very informal settings to mean something similar. The proverb is used frequently to advise caution in business and romance, reflecting a cultural value of being 'abeja' (smart/alert) to avoid being cheated.
Use it for skepticism
This is your go-to phrase when you want to sound wise and cautious about a 'too good to be true' situation.
Don't over-article
Remember: it's 'No es oro', not 'No es el oro'. Adding 'el' makes it sound like a specific object rather than a general truth.
Signification
Appearances can be deceiving; not everything that looks valuable actually is.
Use it for skepticism
This is your go-to phrase when you want to sound wise and cautious about a 'too good to be true' situation.
Don't over-article
Remember: it's 'No es oro', not 'No es el oro'. Adding 'el' makes it sound like a specific object rather than a general truth.
Regional Switch
If you are in Mexico or Colombia, use 'No todo lo que brilla es oro' to sound more like a local.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the missing words.
No es ______ todo lo que ______.
The standard canonical form uses 'oro' and 'reluce'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'No es oro todo lo que reluce'?
Situation: You see a beautiful cake in a window, but when you eat it, it tastes like cardboard.
The cake looked good (shined) but was bad (not gold).
Choose the correct meaning of the phrase.
What does 'No es oro todo lo que reluce' mean?
The phrase is a warning against being deceived by appearances.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Este móvil cuesta solo 20 euros y parece un iPhone.' Pedro: 'Ten cuidado, Ana. ________.'
Pedro is warning Ana about a deal that seems too good to be true.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNo es ______ todo lo que ______.
The standard canonical form uses 'oro' and 'reluce'.
Situation: You see a beautiful cake in a window, but when you eat it, it tastes like cardboard.
The cake looked good (shined) but was bad (not gold).
What does 'No es oro todo lo que reluce' mean?
The phrase is a warning against being deceived by appearances.
Ana: 'Este móvil cuesta solo 20 euros y parece un iPhone.' Pedro: 'Ten cuidado, Ana. ________.'
Pedro is warning Ana about a deal that seems too good to be true.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNot in everyday conversation. You'll mostly hear 'brilla'. 'Reluce' is almost exclusively used in this proverb or in literature.
Yes, it's very common to use it when someone seems nice or successful but has hidden flaws.
Not necessarily, but it is skeptical. Use it with friends, but maybe not to a salesperson's face!
It's an old poetic structure called hyperbaton. It makes the proverb sound more authoritative and traditional.
Expressions liées
Las apariencias engañan
synonymAppearances are deceiving.
Mucho ruido y pocas nueces
similarMuch ado about nothing.
No es tan fiero el león como lo pintan
contrastThe lion isn't as fierce as they paint him.
Gato por liebre
specialized formTo give a cat instead of a hare.
