on the face of it: meaning & examples

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Language: English

Meanings:

  • 1.

    UKUSinternationalneutralformalMachine
    • As it appears from initial observation or superficial evidence; apparently.
    • Based on the outward appearance or first impression, before further investigation.

    Examples

    Beta

    • On the face of it, the new policy appears to benefit all employees equally.

      A primera vista, la nueva política parece beneficiar a todos los empleados por igual.

    • On the face of it, the contract looks fair, but we need a lawyer’s opinion before signing.

      A simple vista, el contrato parece justo, pero necesitamos la opinión de un abogado antes de firmar.

    • On the face of it, the project is a success, but some hidden costs have yet to be revealed.

      A primera vista, el proyecto es un éxito, pero algunos costos ocultos aún no han sido revelados.

    • The offer seems generous on the face of it, though the fine print contains several restrictions.

      La oferta parece generosa a primera vista, aunque la letra pequeña contiene varias restricciones.

  • 2.

    UKUSinternationalneutralformalMachine
    • Seemingly true at first glance but possibly misleading or requiring deeper scrutiny.

    Examples

    Beta

    • On the face of it, the evidence supports his claim, but further investigation uncovered inconsistencies.

      A primera vista, la evidencia respalda su afirmación, pero una investigación más profunda descubrió inconsistencias.

    • The plan looks perfect on the face of it, but there are several risks that haven’t been addressed.

      El plan parece perfecto a primera vista, pero hay varios riesgos que no se han abordado.

    • On the face of it, the new software seems user-friendly, yet users have reported many glitches.

      A primera vista, el nuevo software parece fácil de usar, pero los usuarios han reportado muchos fallos.

Examples:

  • EN: - That's absurd on the face of it, Mr. Burns.
    ES: Esto es absurdo, Sr. Burns.
  • EN: - It's absurd on the face of it.
    ES: - Eso es absurdo.
  • EN: Yes, the idea's preposterous on the face of it.
    ES: Sí, es una idea descabellada.
  • EN: An ill-assorted pair on the face of it.
    ES: Son un par muy diferente.
  • EN: This case is on the face of it peculiarly repellent.
    ES: Este caso es a primera vista particularmente repulsivo.
  • EN: I should have known immediately that what I was told was impossible on the face of it.
    ES: Debería haber sabido inmediatamente que lo que me habían dicho era completamente imposible. -¿Poole?
  • EN: Garrity, if one can believe him, is a resurrector of the dead, which on the face of it certainly sounds like the bull is off the nickel.
    ES: Y el señor Garrity, si alguien puede creerle, es un resurrector de muertos, que en su voz ciertamente suena como el toro fuera del centavo.
  • EN: do not be like— but I have to make this clearer on the face of it for the students...
    ES: Si vosotros los ricos, los poderosos, no lo remediais... Perdón padre, pero tengo que dar la salida a las alumnas externas.
  • EN: Well, on the face of it, you were very adroit.
    ES: Lo siento.
  • EN: You wouldn't have thought that so genteel a rhetorical device could give offense on the face of it, eh?
    ES: ¿ Quién?
  • EN: I mean, it's as ridiculous on the face of it as the other gentlemen implying me and my mum's no better than to pair a common fortune unto us, which God in heaven knows we ain't.
    ES: Tan ridículo cómo insinuar, que mi madre y yo, somos unos vulgares cazadores de fortunas. Dios sabe que no es verdad.
  • EN: Before it's obvious on the face of it, or on the surface, that a giant transformation is going to happen, it will have already been concluded in terms of the hearts and minds of the masses of people.
    ES: Antes de que sea obvio a primera vista, o en la superficie, que va a ocurrir una transformación gigantesca, ya se habrá producido en los corazones y las mentes de las masas.
  • EN: Nothing on the face of it.
    ES: - Aparentemente, nada.
  • EN: Well, on the face of it, it seems to be worth every penny of 38 pounds, 7 shillings and 6 pence.
    ES: Parece que las vale las 38 libras, 7 chelines y 6 peniques.
  • EN: It has nothing to do with the main fact, can't have, on the face of it.
    ES: No tiene nada que ver con el hecho principal no puede tener relación.
  • EN: - That's absurd on the face of it, Mr. Burns.
    ES: Esto es absurdo, Sr. Burns.
  • EN: - It's absurd on the face of it.
    ES: - Eso es absurdo.
  • EN: Yes, the idea's preposterous on the face of it.
    ES: Sí, es una idea descabellada.

Related Idioms

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Source: Wiktionary