on the level
Honest, straightforward, and sincere (and therefore trustworthy). Don't worry about Jason—he's on the level. I need to you to be on the level with me: do I have any chance at this promotion?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
(strictly) on the level
honest; dependably open and fair. How can I be sure you're on the level? You can trust Sally. She's strictly on the level.
on the level
honest; straightforward. Come on now, on the level, tell me the truth. Is the ad on the level?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on the level
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]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on the level
Someone or something that is on the level is honest or true. Wait a minute, is this guy on the level or not? I can offer you something better than this, Trish. And all on the level.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
on the level
honest and truthful. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on the ˈlevel
(American English also on the ˌup and ˈup) (informal) honest; legal: I promise you that he’s on the level. He’s never been involved in anything criminal.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on the level
mod. honest; straightforward. Come on now. Be on the level with me.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
on the level
Informal Without deception; honest.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.