below/beneath the surface

below the surface

Into or among the deeper aspects of something, as opposed to those that are most easily identified. When you write your book reports, please look below the surface of the text and analyze the author's stylistic choices. The new CEO needs to take action so that issues don't continue to fester just below the surface. No one would have suspected that their marriage had so much discord below the surface.

See also: below, surface

beneath the surface

Into or among the deeper aspects of something, as opposed to those 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. The new CEO needs to take action so that issues don't continue to fester just beneath the surface. No one would have suspected that their marriage had so much discord beneath the surface.

See also: beneath, surface

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

below/beneath the ˈsurface

what you cannot see but can only guess at or feel: She seems very calm but beneath the surface I’m sure that she’s very upset. ♢ Beneath the surface of this beautiful city there is terrible poverty and suffering, which tourists never see.

See also: below, beneath, surface

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