on the face of it

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on the face of it

1. (idiomatic) Seemingly; to all appearances; as far as can be seen or determined without deeper investigation or analysis.

   On the face of it, his case seemed hopeless. But appearances can be deceptive.

• at first glance, apparently, prima facie; see also Thesaurus:ostensibly

• ex facie
• prima facie
• on the face of
• on the face of the earth
• take at face value