on the face of it

Idioms  

1. Seemingly, based on available evidence, as in On the face of it this project should break even in six months. This idiom uses face in the sense of “a superficial view.” [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

Oracle has a $523 billion revenue backlog which is impressive on the face of it.

From Barron's

Asked about the tribunal's judgement in Ms Peggie's case, the peer said that "on the face of it" it appeared "not be to be compatible" with the Supreme Court ruling.

From BBC

People may appear happy for you on the face of it, but they may not be so generous when your sons are out of earshot, especially if friends, family or acquaintances need money.

From MarketWatch

There are 28 key points and there are several on the face of it that could be acceptable to Ukraine.

From BBC

Indiana had a 25 percent default rate; California, only 5 percent, even though Californians were, on the face of it, far less fiscally responsible.

From Literature

Related Words

• apparently
• doubtless
• probably
• seemingly
• supposedly
• surely