first blush

Early surface appearance

First blush is the initial impression or reaction, before closer examination: At first blush, the proposal seemed reasonable.

The phrase implies that subsequent consideration may reveal something different.

Blush here refers to the first glimpse or glance, not facial reddening.

initial impression

snap judgment

Rapid evaluation without deliberation

gut feelingInstinctive sense about something
instinctInnate behavioral tendency
hunchUnproven inner sense

intuition · quick assessment · knee-jerk reaction · face value · appearance · seeming · hasty conclusion

romantic attraction

infatuation

Short-lived intense attraction

crushCompress with force
sparkTiny fiery particle
chemistryStudy of substances' interactions

flirtation · butterflies · smitten · lovestruck · enchantment · captivation · ardor · head-over-heels · puppy love · swoon

embarrassment

flush

Same suit, five cards

reddeningGrowing more crimson
flushingWashing by water surge
pinkeningTurning a blush shade

rosy cheeks · warmth · self-consciousness · sheepishness · abashment · fluster · discomfiture · chagrin · mortification

newness

unfamiliarity

Lack of prior knowledge

noveltyQuality of being original
freshnessState of being unspoiled
discoveryAct of finding something

virgin territory · uncharted · untried · unexplored · maiden voyage · new ground · initial contact · early days · fresh start · clean slate

Opposites

depth of analysis

first blushclose inspection

critical analysis · forensic analysis

temporal sequence of impression

first blushin the end

After all is considered

ultimately · on second thought · in hindsight · with the benefit of hindsight · all things considered

familiarity

first blushold hat

Tediously familiar, stale

Family

first, blush, firstly, blushing, blushed, blushes, blusher

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G