see beyond
Perceive what's hidden
To see beyond something is to perceive what lies past it, either literally or figuratively.
The figurative sense dominates: to see beyond appearances is to grasp deeper truths, to see beyond present circumstances is to envision future possibilities.
She could see beyond his gruff exterior to the kindness underneath.
The phrase implies wisdom or imagination that transcends obvious limitations.
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
- look pastDeliberately ignore something
- innovationCreating something original
- dreamingMental imagery during slumber
open mind · rose-tinted glasses · foresight · transcendence · visionary thinking · revelation · premonition · envisioning · clarity · higher consciousness · sixth sense · perspective · mindfulness · enlightenment · ideation · observation · mind's eye · inner vision