What you see is what you get

[EndlessHope]

Hi,
Could you please explain this saying?! What situations can one use this saying in?

Thanks.
EH

[Milanya]

Depends on context.
It might mean that what you see is the truth and there are no hidden agendas and ulterior motives.
It might mean that what you see on the surface is the whole thing, there is no depth. "He might be handsome, but what you see is what you get; he is not smart, kind, or reliable."
Also, in computers What You See Is What You Get - (WYSIWYG) /wiz'ee-wig/ Describes a user interface for a document preparation system under which changes are represented by displaying a more-or-less accurate image of the way the document will finally appear, e.g. when printed. This is in contrast to one that uses more-or-less obscure commands that do not result in immediate visual feedback.
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[Kitosdad]

It might mean that what you see on the surface is the whole thing, there is no depth.

"He might be handsome, but what you see is what you get; he is not smart, kind, or reliable."

Good morning Milanya. You have described me perfectly, and we haven't even met.

Kitos.
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If you need me, I'm here.

[Honey2]

Thank for Milana and Kitosdad
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live quite life

[MariaEbb]

That phrase is used mostly among computer techs and other people who works with computers. It means what you see on the screen is what you get on the printer. But it's not true... If I would print this it would be much bigger than it is on the screen. It's often shortened WYSIWYG.
/Maria

[Gray]

'What you see is what you get' is used to describe the design of the user interface in computers.
The design is so intuitive that it is much easier to understand the functionality by looking at the user interface.
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First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English

[Milanya]

[Kitosdad]

Good morning Milanya, so do we take handsome as a given?

I'll forego the smart kind and reliable in favour of that.

Bill.

Celebrating my 71st birthday with a five mile walk with my "bodyguards."
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If you need me, I'm here.

[Milanya]

[Kitosdad]

Good morning Milanya, and thank you very much for the good wishes.

Bill.
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If you need me, I'm here.