look beneath the surface

look beneath the surface

To focus on the deeper aspects of something, as opposed to the traits that are most easily identified. When you write your book reports, please look beneath the surface of the text and analyze the author's stylistic choices.
See also: beneath, look, surface
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • beneath the surface
  • below the surface
  • below/beneath the surface
  • surface
  • the right stuff
  • pin (someone or something) beneath (someone or something)
  • pin beneath
  • fall beneath
  • fall beneath (something)
  • contempt
References in periodicals archive
Aquarius Jan 21 Feb 19 You may begin to see life from a perspective that encourages you to look beneath the surface rather than focus on what is immediately obvious.
SCORPIO You like to look beneath the surface at how things really are and you should have plenty of opportunities to do that this week and what you find may cause you to change your views about a matter that's been dragging on.
When you look beneath the surface, there's evidence of some weakness that's not being picked up by the news press," he said.
But look beneath the surface and you see the imperfections in the color, cut, or clarity.
Always look beneath the surface before you decide on things."
All this time, the national leadership of Pakistan was simply not able enough to look beneath the surface and work toward the long-term objectives.
Today, with seemingly every corner of the planet laid bare, we only have to look beneath the surface of the ocean to encounter another world right here on Earth that is an integral part of our own existence, yet that we barely know.
A final thought Remember that open days are a chance for the university to show off, so take time to look beneath the surface. Consider how the university concentrates their talks and tours: are they proud of their own qualities and promoting them directly, or are they comparing themselves to others?
'This sneaker represents that call for unity and equality, while also pushing people to look beneath the surface and uncover the hidden messages.
She will also use radar equipment to look beneath the surface. She expects to find that a number of settlements were suddenly abandoned and moved closer to the four fortresses, either for protection or because of pressure from community leaders or political authorities, she told the interviewer.
If we look beneath the surface to learn more about those jobs, a surprising story emerges.
"When you look beneath the surface of financial firms' opposition to the Department of Labor's conflict of interest rule, it quickly becomes apparent that one of their primary objections is to provisions in the rule that would require them to limit or abandon common practices that encourage and reward harmful advice," said Barbara Roper, CFA's director of investor protection, in releasing the fact sheet.
But look beneath the surface. The DWP says there are 733,000 untaken jobs at anyone time.
Social scientists and political activists look beneath the surface of high politics in Iran to reveal the deeper layers of action; innovation; struggle; and rebirth in culture, society, and politics.