at first glance


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Related to at first glance: couldn't, by way of, at least, in total, take it for granted

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.
See also: first, glance

at first glance

 and at first blush
when 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.
See also: first, glance

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.
See also: first, glance

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.
See also: first, glance, sight

at first glance

On initial consideration: At first glance the plan seemed unworkable.
See also: first, glance
References in periodicals archive ?
The iPhone runs the Apple Macintosh computer operating system, OS X, so at first glance it would seem to fall into the smartphone category, which might help justify its announced $500+ pricetag.
The iPhone is No Smartphone, says ABI Research
The commentary examines this response, and similar responses that appear at first glance to be a refusal to answer, in various lights--that perhaps the meaning of the Ancestor's coming is as inconceivable as the existence of a speaking stone tortoise, or perhaps by hearing the voice of the stone tortoise one can truly begin to understand.
The True Dharma Eye
At first glance, you might mistake arctotis for gazania, except that arctotis grows taller and its flowers are larger than gazania blooms.
IN THE GARDEN L.A.'S ANNUAL DELIGHTS
At first glance, Butler's simplistic forms and restricted subject matter might suggest a lack of substance, but a little more time spent with his paintings reveals a deeper complexity.
Benjamin Butler: Karyn Lovegrove Gallery
At first glance, Escher's interlocking and intricate patterns seem mind-boggling.
M.C. Escher: Visions of Symmetry
At first glance I thought your September 3 cover man was Ben Affleck, and I started looking for a story on him.
Games we play. (reader forum)
At first glance, this appears to be just another collection of colorful action stories about combat in war-torn skies.
Sherwood, John Darrell. Fast movers; jet pilots and the Vietnam experience
At first glance, the entries seem absurd like they couldn't possibly be true, but as you get to know Ang ("Poorly, Ang" is how she signs her broke entries) and her broke friends, you can't help but believe their tireless adventures and kooky schemes for anything beginning with the words FREE.
The Broke Diaries
At first glance, Ek seems like an unlikely candidate for Next Wave.
LYON OPERA BRINGS EK TO BROOKLYN
They will be wearing black shirts with a logo, that at first glance, looks like a Green Butterfly.
New Technology from Better ATM Services Enables Banks to Dispense Prepaid Cards Through ATM Cash Tray
At first glance, the viewer may not understand exactly what is being shown.
Azucena Vieites: Galeria Fucares
AT first glance, Proposition 80 would seem to merely lock in a bunch of energy regulations that are already on the books - chief among them barring corporations from buying power from independent suppliers.
EDITORIAL POWER PLAY
At first glance, people with Parkinson's disease appear to have damaged muscles, as evidenced by tremors and rigidity.
Experimental therapy fights Parkinson's. (Protein Pump)
At first glance, The Buzz was awed by the outrageous sexual content, like the leashed Dobermans morphing into female bondage slaves.
George, Robbie, Nicole: video vixens. (the Buzz)
At first glance, the march of scientific progress would seem to be a straightforward and orderly affair, with knowledge building upon knowledge until we reach the peak we occupy today.
Standage, Tom. The Neptune file; a story of astronomical rivalry and the pioneers of planet hunting
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