on the surface

on the surface
AT FIRST GLANCE, to the casual eye, outwardly, to all appearances, apparently, ostensibly, superficially, externally.

* * *

adverb
: to all outward appearances : so far as one can see

the entire system was, at least on the surface, remarkably efficient — F.A.Ogg & Harold Zink

on the surface there is no apparent relationship between the two books — Harrison Smith

* * *

on the ˈsurface idiom
when not thought about deeply or thoroughly; when not looked at carefully

It seems like a good idea on the surface but there are sure to be problems.

On the surface, he appeared unchanged.

Main entry:surfaceidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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