10 Best Ways To Say “Things Aren’t Always What They Seem”

When “things aren’t always what they seem,” it can be a bit of a shock. We might be used to seeing something work in one way but suddenly learn that there might be others ways to work them. This article will explore the best ways to talk about these things.

What Are Other Ways To Say “Things Aren’t Always What They Seem”?

There are plenty of ways we could write this phrase. Maybe one of the following will suit you:

• Inconstant
• Irregular
• Kaleidoscopic
• Volatile
• Wayward
• Ostensible
• Don’t judge a book by its cover
• Capricious
• Whimsical
• Fickle

The preferred version is “inconstant.” It works to show that something never has a “constant” meaning or use and it can change at a moment’s notice. This can sometimes make it much harder to know what to expect from that thing, which can be challenging for people.

Inconstant

“Inconstant” works when we want to show that something never stays the same. Since there isn’t one basic form to understand or appreciate, we can never know what to expect from it. That’s why things aren’t “what they seem” when they are inconstant.

The definition of “inconstant,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “not staying the same, especially in emotion or behavior.”

• You are inconstant with your thoughts and ideas. It’s why it’s so hard to talk to you.
• I don’t like the inconstant appeal of this place. I thought it would look different.
• The inconstant shadows I see in the dark always manage to frighten me!

Irregular

“Irregular” works to show that something does not follow “regular” trends. Therefore, we can never fully anticipate what something will “seem” to be when we work with it.

Irregular things can be both positive and negative, and it depends entirely on the context in which one applies.

The definition of “irregular,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “quickly changing from one thing to another.”

• This is irregular, and I really didn’t expect to hear about it today.
• You have put forward a lot of irregular ideas, and I didn’t expect it from you!
• He’s very irregular. I almost like it, but I’m not sure why!

Kaleidoscopic

“Kaleidoscopic” means that something changes quickly from one thing to another. This constant change means that it’s never possible to expect what it will be next. It will always seem to be something other than what it seems.

The definition of “kaleidoscopic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “quickly changing from one thing to another.”

• Your event planning is far too kaleidoscopic for my taste! Why can’t you do better?
• He has found one of the most kaleidoscopic little puppies! As cute as it is, I don’t think I want to take it home.
• This language is too kaleidoscopic! The rules are all over the place, and I can’t figure it out!

Volatile

“Volatile” means that someone or something is likely to change suddenly. It’s an unexpected change that nobody can be prepared for. It’s also usually expected that the person or thing will get worse rather than better.

The definition of “volatile,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly, especially by getting worse.”

• I appreciate your volatility. It always keeps me on my toes.
• This mansion is very volatile! One minute I love it; the next, I hate it!
• You have a volatile child there! You never know what to expect from him.

Wayward

“Wayward” works best to describe people. It means that someone is always changing their behaviors or attitudes to suit themselves.

Wayward people may appear timid or fragile at first. However, once they’ve decided on how they want to act, you might be surprised with some of the things they come out with.

The definition of “wayward,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “doing only what you want and often changing your behavior in a way that is difficult to control.”

• You’re too wayward to manage properly! I thought it’d be easy!
• I don’t mean to be the wayward one, but somebody has to be.
• He’s very wayward. I wouldn’t get involved with him if I were you.

Ostensible

“Ostensible” means that someone or something appears to be one thing but is usually something else. Often, we have to wait until we learn what the other thing is, and it might be too late when that time comes.

The definition of “ostensible,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “appearing or claiming to be one thing when it is really something else.”

• I don’t mean to sound ostensible, but I think it’s time to disagree with you.
• This house is ostensible, and I could have sworn it was prettier than this before.
• She is ostensible. She never usually looks that glamorous!

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a great idiomatic phrase we can use for this idea. It teaches us that a book’s cover is not the only thing we should consider before buying it.

If a book is fantastic but has a bland cover, we might end up missing out on one of the best reads of our lives. Likewise, if the cover is beautiful, but the writing is subpar, then we will be upset that we wasted our time and money on it.

This methodology can be applied to all kinds of things.

• I told you not to judge a book by its cover. Now you’re in a relationship with him!
• Don’t judge a book by its cover. You have to wait until you can see whether it’s worth it.
• Stop judging a book by its cover! There’s so much more under the surface!

Capricious

“Capricious” works when we want to describe people rather than things. It means that someone is constantly changing their mood or behavior. Usually, we do not expect them to make these changes.

It’s common for people to make judgments about others before even meeting them. That’s why being “capricious” is common since many people will judge you before giving you a chance to explain your thoughts and opinions.

The definition of “capricious,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “changing mood or behavior suddenly and unexpectedly.”

• You are far too capricious for me. Nobody knows what to expect from you anymore.
• That little girl is so capricious! She seems too sweet, but she is far from it!
• You’re very capricious! I applaud your attention to detail, but I have no idea where your allegiances lie!

Whimsical

“Whimsical” means that someone or something is unusual or strange. That means that we might not get what we expect out of it, and we might have to wait and see what it might come up with.

If we describe a person as “whimsical,” it usually means we find them funny. It’s often a polite term, though it could sometimes be construed negatively if you want to show that someone is annoying you.

The definition of “whimsical,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “unusual and strange in a way that might be funny or annoying.”

• The whimsical attitude of my parents toward you was not something I expected from them.
• This is far too whimsical for us to handle. We didn’t expect it at all.
• He is very whimsical with the things he says. You shouldn’t just believe what he says without clarifying it further!

Fickle

“Fickle” works well, but it mostly refers to people above anything else. We can say that someone is “fickle” when they appear to have one opinion or belief, but they quickly prove us wrong with another.

The definition of “fickle,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “likely to change your opinion or your feelings suddenly and without a good reason.”

• You are a truly fickle person, and I never know what you’re going to do next.
• Without meaning to sound fickle, I do not think you understand the purpose of this next project.
• This is a fickle little novel, isn’t it? I didn’t expect any of this to come out of it!

What Does “Things Aren’t Always What They Seem” Mean?

“Things aren’t always what they seem” means that something looks a certain way but ends up having a different meaning or purpose. We might be used to seeing something have one use but then be surprised to learn that there’s another use we didn’t consider.

What Are Examples Of “Things Aren’t Always What They Seem”?

Finally, let’s check out some examples of some “things” that “aren’t always what they seem:”

• A shadow in the middle of the night can be mistaken for something that isn’t there.
• Relationships could look good and strong on the outside, but you might not know that there are dodgy things beneath the exterior.
• A house might look beautiful on the outside but might be completely run-down on the inside.
• Someone who is always smiling might be putting on a brave face. In reality, they might be depressed.
• A letter in another language’s alphabet might have a completely different pronunciation to your one.