informal 10K+

Look expensive but you know aren't

🇬🇧 UK //lʊk ɪkˈspɛnsɪv bət ju noʊ ɑːrnt// 🇺🇸 US //lʊk ɪkˈspɛnsɪv bət ju noʊ ɑːrnt//

Meaning of Look expensive but you know aren't

To appear costly or high-class, but is actually affordable.

In simple words: To seem costly, but actually is not.

Look expensive but you know aren't in a sentence

• That handbag looks expensive but you know it isn't.
• Her dress looks expensive but you know it was a bargain.
• The restaurant's decor looks expensive but you know it's just a cheap makeover.
• These shoes may look expensive but you know they were on sale.
• The art piece looks expensive but you know it was bought online for a low price.

How to use Look expensive but you know aren't

Use in casual conversations; appropriate for describing clothing or items that give a false impression of cost. Avoid in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

look + adjective

Memory hint

Think of a fancy-looking dress that is actually from a discount store.

Related words

Collocations with Look expensive but you know aren't

• look expensive but you know
• seem costly
• appear high-end

Synonyms for Look expensive but you know aren't

• seem pricey
• appear luxurious
• look high-end

Common mistakes with Look expensive but you know aren't

• Confused with 'look expensive but you know it is not'
• Misused in formal contexts
• Omitted 'but you know' part in sentences

Frequently asked questions about Look expensive but you know aren't

What does Look expensive but you know aren't mean?

To seem costly, but actually is not.

What is the definition of Look expensive but you know aren't?

To appear costly or high-class, but is actually affordable.

How do you use Look expensive but you know aren't in a sentence?

That handbag looks expensive but you know it isn't.

Can you give another example of Look expensive but you know aren't?

Her dress looks expensive but you know it was a bargain.

What are synonyms for Look expensive but you know aren't?

Common alternatives include seem pricey, appear luxurious, look high-end.

What words go with Look expensive but you know aren't?

It commonly pairs with look expensive but you know, seem costly, appear high-end.

What are common mistakes when using Look expensive but you know aren't?

Confused with 'look expensive but you know it is not' Misused in formal contexts Omitted 'but you know' part in sentences

How do you pronounce Look expensive but you know aren't?

US: //lʊk ɪkˈspɛnsɪv bət ju noʊ ɑːrnt//, UK: //lʊk ɪkˈspɛnsɪv bət ju noʊ ɑːrnt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Look expensive but you know aren't formal or informal?

"Look expensive but you know aren't" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Look expensive but you know aren't?

Use in casual conversations; appropriate for describing clothing or items that give a false impression of cost. Avoid in formal writing.