on the surface
on the surface
Superficially; considering only the obvious details or outward appearance (of someone or something). On the surface, he seems like a really successful businessman, with his life all put together. But if you pull back the curtain a bit, you realize that his life is a mess. Everything looked fine on the surface, but after we began we realized that the plan was fundamentally flawed.
See also: on, surface
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on the surface
Superficially, to all outward appearances, as in On the surface he appeared brave and patriotic, but his troops knew better. [Early 1700s]
See also: on, surface
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on the ˈsurface
when you consider the obvious things, and not the deeper, hidden things: On the surface she can be very pleasant and helpful, but underneath she’s got problems. The plan seems all right on the surface.See also: on, surface
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on the surface
To all intents and purposes; to all outward appearances: a soldier who, on the surface, appeared brave and patriotic.
See also: on, surface
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- on the face of it
- inside out
- see through (someone or something)
- skim through
- skim through (something)
- turn (something) inside out
- turn inside out
- turn some place inside out
- turn something inside out
- turn something inside out/upside down