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Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs