no es oro todo lo que reluce
Lemma Details
Translation: all that glitters is not gold; not all that glitters is gold
Part of Speech: proverb
Etymology: This Spanish proverb has its origins in medieval literature and wisdom. It appears in Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1605) and has parallels in many European languages. The English equivalent 'all that glitters is not gold' was popularized by Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice. Both expressions warn against being deceived by attractive appearances, suggesting that things that look valuable on the surface may not have true worth underneath.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Antes de invertir en ese negocio, recuerda que no es oro todo lo que reluce.
Before investing in that business, remember that all that glitters is not gold.
Su currículum parecía impresionante, pero no es oro todo lo que reluce; no tenía la experiencia que decía tener.
His resume seemed impressive, but all that glitters is not gold; he didn't have the experience he claimed to have.
No es oro todo lo que reluce, así que investiga bien antes de comprar esa casa.
All that glitters is not gold, so research well before buying that house.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'reluce' (glitters) as related to 'luz' (light) - things that catch the light aren't always valuable.
- Visualize fool's gold (pyrite) that looks like gold but isn't valuable.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This proverb is widely used in Spanish-speaking cultures to caution against being deceived by superficial appearances. It's often used in contexts of relationships, business deals, or any situation where something might seem attractive but could be hiding flaws. The proverb appears in classic Spanish literature and is part of traditional wisdom passed down through generations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: This is a variant of the same proverb with slightly different wording but identical meaning. 'No es oro todo lo que reluce' uses the verb 'relucir' (to shine/glitter) while this variant uses 'brillar' (to shine/sparkle).
Notes: Both versions are widely used and acceptable in Spanish. The choice between them is often regional or personal preference.
Mnemonic: Both versions contain 'oro' (gold) and a verb meaning 'to shine' - they're just different ways of expressing the same warning.