scratch beneath the surface
Look more closely
To scratch beneath the surface is to look beyond what's immediately apparent, investigating deeper than superficial impressions allow.
The phrase suggests that truth or complexity lies hidden under an easily observed exterior: Scratch beneath the surface and you'll find the company has serious financial problems.
Often used to imply that first impressions deceive.
- delveSearch or investigate thoroughly
- revealMake something visible
- uncoverReveal what's hidden
- probeThorough examination or tool
- read between the linesDiscern implicit meaning
dig deeper · investigate · examine · closer look · analyze · inner workings · unearth · digging · explore · hidden · illuminate · discern · scrutinize · underlying · obscure · question · concealed · true nature
scratch beneath the surfacetake at face value
Accept without deeper analysis
scratch the surface · accept at face value · gloss over · go through the motions · skin deep
scratch beneath the surfacetake on faith
Accept as true unproven
buy into · take someone's word for it · turn a blind eye · drink the Kool-Aid · look the other way
scratch, scratched, scratching, scratches, scratchy, scratcher, beneath, surface, surfaces