Flatter to deceive
phrase
To make something or someone look better or more promising than they really are.
The team's early wins flattered to deceive, as they lost the next seven matches.
Often appears as...
- initial success flatters to deceive
- appearances can flatter to deceive
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To make something or someone look better or more promising than they really are.
The team's early wins flattered to deceive, as they lost the next seven matches.
Often appears as...
- initial success flatters to deceive
- appearances can flatter to deceive
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Initial Impressions
The phrase often relates to something that seems promising at first but fails to meet expectations later on.
Her polite manner flattered to deceive; she was actually quite rude.
Pro Tip 2/3Hidden Truths
It suggests that the truth is hidden behind a seemingly attractive appearance or promising start.
The sunny morning flattered to deceive, and by noon it was raining heavily.
Pro Tip 3/3Cautious Optimism
Use it to express skepticism, advising someone not to be too optimistic based on initial success.
He scored in his debut, but those numbers flatter to deceive; let's see his season performance.
Pro Tip 1/3Initial Impressions
The phrase often relates to something that seems promising at first but fails to meet expectations later on.
Her polite manner flattered to deceive; she was actually quite rude.
Pro Tip 2/3Hidden Truths
It suggests that the truth is hidden behind a seemingly attractive appearance or promising start.
The sunny morning flattered to deceive, and by noon it was raining heavily.
Pro Tip 3/3Cautious Optimism
Use it to express skepticism, advising someone not to be too optimistic based on initial success.
He scored in his debut, but those numbers flatter to deceive; let's see his season performance.
Pro Tip 1/3Initial Impressions
The phrase often relates to something that seems promising at first but fails to meet expectations later on.
Her polite manner flattered to deceive; she was actually quite rude.
Pro Tip 2/3Hidden Truths
It suggests that the truth is hidden behind a seemingly attractive appearance or promising start.
The sunny morning flattered to deceive, and by noon it was raining heavily.
Pro Tip 3/3Cautious Optimism
Use it to express skepticism, advising someone not to be too optimistic based on initial success.
He scored in his debut, but those numbers flatter to deceive; let's see his season performance.
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