on the level

1. Honest, without deception: “We doubted that the offer could be genuine, but it turned out to be on the level.”

Idioms and Phrases

Honest, straightforward, sincere, as in You can believe her—she's on the level . This expression may have come from Freemasonry, where the carpenter's level symbolizes integrity. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

But, on the level of the cookware in your kitchen, it’s not that concerning.

From Slate

Depending on the level of check, different criminal records and cautions are disclosed on a person's certificate.

From BBC

Its internal review of the incident concluded that the way the case was managed “had a direct impact on the level of harm”.

From BBC

That can work for people who are just looking for insight into the phenomenon of Trumpism, but it can also work for people in its thrall if you can get them to really watch it on the level.

From Salon

At the report’s unveiling Tuesday night, W. Gabriel Selassie said he was stunned by his findings on the level of oppression and described some of the many ways it played out in everyday life.

From Los Angeles Times