take at face value

take something at face value

to accept something because of the way it first looks or seems, without thinking about what else it could mean. These results should not be taken at face value - careful analysis is required to assess their full implications. (often negative)

See also: face, take

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take something at face value

to accept that something is exactly what it appears to be. This is good research that can be taken at face value by readers. You have to understand that you cannot take gossip at its face value.

Etymology: based on the idea that the value (= worth) of a piece of money is exactly the amount shown by a number on its face (= front)

See also: face, take