at first glance
On initial inspection
At first glance describes an initial impression before closer examination: At first glance, the contract seemed straightforward.
The phrase typically sets up a contrast—what appears true initially often proves different upon further scrutiny: At first glance it looked like a bargain, but the hidden fees added up.
- cursoryHasty and incomplete
- glimpseFleeting view
- appearanceOutward visible form
- seeminglyAppearing to be so
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
shallow · surface · skin deep · impression · snap judgment · facade · preliminary · once-over · prima facie · inference · misleading · instant · semblance · veneer · initial · immediate · view · obvious
- perception phrasesI see, I feel, I notice, I sense, looks like
depth of examination
at first glancein the end
After all is considered
ultimately · as it turns out · in the final analysis · in hindsight · when all is said and done