on the face of it

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does on the face of it mean? In what situations is on the face of it used?

Meaning of "on the face of it"

Meaning

The phrase “on the face of it” means that, at first glance, something appears to be true. It is generally used to indicate that something appears to be a certain way without actually confirming its truth.

Etymology

The expression can be traced to the mid-16th century, when it was written as “at the first face of it”. From there, the phrase has evolved and is now commonly used in its current form.

Usage

The phrase “on the face of it” is often used to describe a situation that appears to be a certain way. It is used to express uncertainty or doubt, as it implies that something may not actually be true even though it appears to be at first glance. It is also used in situations when more information is needed before making a judgment.

Example Sentences

• On the face of it, the evidence seems to support the prosecution’s argument, but there could be more to the story.
• The agreement looks fair, on the face of it, but there may be hidden clauses that we’ve not seen yet.
• The proposal seems good, on the face of it, but we need to look at it more closely before making a decision.

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.