what you see is what you get
Honesty without pretense
What you see is what you get means there's no hidden layer or deception—the surface accurately represents the reality.
Applied to people, it suggests straightforward honesty without pretense: He's not complicated—what you see is what you get.
In computing, WYSIWYG describes interfaces where the screen display matches the printed output.
The phrase often carries approval, implying refreshing transparency.
- seePerceive with eyes
- visual editorEdit-as-you-see interface
- drag and dropMouse-based file relocation
- openNot closed
- interfaceShared connection point
show · authenticity · transparency · editor · truthfulness · directness · preview · real · honesty · user experience · look · simplicity · no frills · rendering · real time · clarity · HTML · prototyping
what you see is what you getfacade
Deceptive outward appearance
deceptive · two-faced · wolf in sheep's clothing · phony · fake
what you see is what you getmore than meets the eye
Hidden significance underneath
hidden depths · enigmatic · mysterious · enigma · mystery
what you see is what you getpretentious
Falsely grand or important
affected · poseur · superficial · performative · artificial