Connect the dots

[0913] There's more to it than meets the eye

🎲 The writing's on the wall
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Said about a situation, person, or thing that is more complex, involved, or significant than it initially appears.
  • Implies hidden depths, complexities, or underlying factors.

Origin

  • A common English idiom, its exact origin is unclear but it likely evolved naturally from the idea that visual appearance (what meets the eye) can be deceptive or incomplete.
  • It reflects a common human experience: discovering that simple-seeming things have hidden layers.
  • The phrase has been in common usage for a long time.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • It's not as simple as it looks.
  • There are hidden depths.
  • Appearances can be deceiving.
  • There's an underlying issue.
  • It's just the tip of the iceberg. (Implies a much larger hidden problem)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • There's some other shit going on. (Crude, implies hidden complications or drama)
  • It goes deeper than that.

Milder/More Formal:

  • The situation is more nuanced.
  • There are complexities beneath the surface.
  • Further investigation is warranted.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Very versatile, suitable for informal, semi-formal, and even formal contexts.
  • Used widely in discussions, storytelling, analysis, and expressing suspicion or intrigue.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The meaning is generally clear. Learners should understand it implies complexity or hidden elements, not necessarily something negative (though it often does).

Examples

  • This political scandal seems straightforward, but I suspect there's more to it than meets the eye.
  • He acts simple, but there's more to him than meets the eye.
  • On the surface, it's just a children's story, but there's more to it than meets the eye – it has deep allegorical meaning.

Dialogue

Alex: It just looks like an old, empty house. Why are people so interested in it?

Jordan: Trust me, there's more to it than meets the eye. Locals whisper about hidden tunnels and a buried treasure.

Alex: Seriously? Wow, okay, now I'm intrigued.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet reacting to a surprising event: Wow, didn't see that coming! Definitely more to it than meets the eye. #intrigue
  • Book review excerpt: A seemingly simple plot, but there's more to it than meets the eye, exploring profound themes.
  • Instagram caption for a mysterious photo: Just exploring... Sometimes there's more to it than meets the eye. 😉

Response Patterns

  • Intrigue/Inquiry: Really? Like what? / What makes you say that? / Do tell.
  • Agreement: I get that feeling too. / I've always thought so.
  • Skepticism: Or maybe it's exactly what it looks like. / Perhaps you're reading too much into it.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • The most common follow-up is asking for details about the hidden aspects (What else is going on?).
  • The speaker might then elaborate on the hidden complexities or reasons for their suspicion.
  • The conversation might involve speculating about the unseen factors.

Conversation Starter

  • It can be, especially to pique someone's interest about a topic. You know that old building on the corner? Well, there's more to it than meets the eye...

Intonation

  • Often said thoughtfully, mysteriously, or warningly.
  • Stress typically falls on more and eye. Sometimes also on it.
  • Example: There's MORE to it than meets the EYE.

Generation Differences

  • Understood and used by all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Universal in English-speaking countries.
Connect the dots
🎲 The writing's on the wall