things are not as scary as they seem; fear makes the wolf bigger than he is
Proverb meaning that when you investigate something frightening, it often turns out to be harmless. Literally: 'The ghost, when examined closely, is withered silver grass.'
The shadow I thought was scary on the night road turned out to be just a tree when I looked closely. Things are not as scary as they seem.
That boss seemed strict, but when I talked to him, he was kind. It's a case of fear making the wolf bigger than he is.