Tell a different story/tale
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Use when reality differs from what someone expects or claims. 
He boasted about his cooking, but the burnt meal told a different story.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Contrast
The phrase often highlights a less obvious contradiction. 
Everyone smiled in the photo, but their eyes told a different story.
Pro Tip 3/3Evidence Based
Pairs well with discussions involving concrete evidence or data. 
The spokesperson remained optimistic, but the plummeting stock prices told a different story.