on the level

Cultural  

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

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on the level Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

And based on the level of coverage from major news outlets, readers sure do like to be shocked.

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026

For those who started between September 2012 and July 2023, it is between 3.2% and 6.2%, based on the level of earnings which starts at under £28,470 and rises to £51,245 and above.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

“The timing of when these barrels are absorbed will largely depend on the level of discounts available to potential buyers,” Li said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Weiss did not provide any specifics on the level of investment for the new initiatives.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026

Somewhere on the level below, government employees flowed in and out of the building, while somewhere above, the president and First Lady lived with their Scottish terriers in the family residence.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama