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His genial demeanour and penchant for folksy parables belie a past as a wily guerrilla fighter and ruthless political survivor.

From Barron's ● Jan. 12, 2026

Those who have worked with Barry Pollack say the Washington-based trial lawyer’s mild-mannered demeanor and relatively low public profile belie an unusual tenacity in fighting even for unpopular clients.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 8, 2026

Horvath’s Midwestern mien, unflagging politeness and warm smile belie her fierce ambition.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2025

"Outward appearance shouldn't belie what lies beneath," Mr Marchant said.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2025

She tried not to blink and belie the life in her stone-still body, but he was suspicious.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

Gannon-Doak is a really exciting prospect but his elevated status with Scotland belies the fact that he's been injured and has only played 150 minutes for Bournemouth this season.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026

The mythology surrounding Monroe belies her complex humanity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026

The relative trickle of oil passing through the Gulf and the release of oil from reserves is such that, according to Pyziur, belies another potential problem: the lack of fertilizer coming out of Gulf countries.

From Salon ● Mar. 26, 2026

Truss's position at fifth in the table belies her record as the shortest serving prime minister.

From BBC ● Mar. 20, 2026

A kind of city-street music where laughter belies anxiety, and joy is as short and straight as the blade of a pocketknife.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

A gutsy performance which belied their status as the tournament's lowest-ranked team.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

Nakai belied her years as the youngest competitor in Milan.

From Barron's ● Feb. 20, 2026

At 27, Duop’s youthful face belied a life marked by war and poverty.

From Salon ● Dec. 16, 2025

They’ll point out that the strategy’s supposed “predisposition to non-interventionism” is belied by his Caribbean campaign and the strike on the Iranian nuclear program.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 8, 2025

They passed only for a moment, but the horse’s thundering hooves belied its grace, for it seemed to glide more than run.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

And belying urban legends, there was no link to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve or the death of computing pioneer Alan Turing.

From Barron's ● Mar. 29, 2026

What followed was an outstanding display of batting elegance, belying Bethell's years and experience.

From BBC ● Jan. 7, 2026

In the dirt lot behind the pit rooms, Ryan Maifield was stationed at the company tent for Tekno, an RC manufacturer, his shaggy beard and worn-in sneakers belying his global RC stardom.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2025

Leonardo told the full story gradually, circling back to reveal more details, his quiet, matter-of-fact tone belying the horror of his account.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 13, 2024

“Janna, I made your favorite, salmon cakes,” Mom calls from too close to the door, her breathing, uneven and stressed, belying her chipper words.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali