at first glance
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at first glance
Upon first seeing or considering something. At first glance, I thought the house was great, but the inspector's list of problems changed my opinion. The contract did seem favorable at first glance, but I can see now that it would not have been beneficial.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
at first glance
and at first blushwhen first examined; at an early stage. At first glance, the problem appeared quite simple. Later we learned just how complex it really was. He appeared quite healthy at first glance. At first blush, she appeared to be quite old.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
at first glance
COMMON You say at first glance when you are describing your first opinion of someone or something, especially when this opinion is wrong or incomplete. At first glance, the room looked tidy and ordered. He had a round face that, at first glance, made him look boyish, though closer inspection revealed a man in early middle age. Compare with at first sight.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
at first ˈglance/ˈsight
as things seem at first; judging by first appearances: At first glance, the exam paper looked fairly difficult, but once I got started I found it quite easy.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
at first glance
On initial consideration: At first glance the plan seemed unworkable.
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.