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Glite Dictionary
first blush

first blush

1 6.6
An early opinion before careful thought
  • idiom
  • /fɜrst blʌʃ/
  • Informal
translation icon : a primera vista
  • At first blush, the activities may not seem too closely related.
  • first blush appeared

Again, that really looks so seductive and responsible at first blush, but over time that fiscal responsibility may start to seem like something more sinister.

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Examples

  • In its report, titled "Intellectual Property and the National Information Infrastructure" (popularly called the White Paper), the panel made suggestions that at first blush appeared to be minor adjustments to current law.

    Academic text (1998)

  • At first blush, it may even look like a panacea for America's national security ills.

    Blog text (12)

  • The court was presented with a claim that, at first blush, did not pass the 'but for' test.

    Academic text (2018)

  • At first blush, the theorem appears quite impressive.

    The Saint (1997)

  • At first blush, the sources fit very nicely with this understanding of Judaism.

    Blog text (12)

  • At first blush, the inclination might be to consider these events as examples of two very familiar stories.

    Academic text (2018)

  • At first blush, a policy of extended deterrence might appear to be a sensible and effective approach.

    Academic text (2011)

  • At first blush, mineral development might not seem to fit with a literal application of sustainable development.

    Academic text (1990)

  • At first blush, he looks like a well-proportioned, fine-leather briefcase stuffed with political manifestos of a highly conservative hue.

    Blog text (12)

  • At first blush, the new restaurant seems to offer a diverse menu.

Synonyms

at first sight
vsfirst blush
78 3.3

When you first see something and notice or feel something right away

emphasizes first visual encounter rather than later consideration
at first glance
vsfirst blush
32 3.5

You notice something before you look more closely

refers to the initial impression before deeper examination
prima facie
vsfirst blush
  • Jargon
9 9.5

Appears true at first sight before more checks

applies to an initial impression rather than final proof
at a glance
vsfirst blush
9 3.0

With a quick look you notice something right away

focuses on a quick look impression rather than considered judgment
at first blush
vsfirst blush
3 6.8

When you first look at something, it seems right before you check details

is the shorter noun phrase naming that initial impression
prenotion
vsfirst blush
9.3

An idea you have before you know or see something

comes from an immediate first impression rather than a prior assumption

Antonyms

deep understanding
9 3.7

A strong and complete knowledge of a subject or idea

How Immediate

at a glance
9 3.0
first blush
  • Informal
1 6.6
consideration
148 2.9

Surface Forms

first blush singular
first blushes plural

Morphology

first + blush

Although 'first' clearly signals an initial stage, 'blush' normally denotes facial reddening and does not transparently convey 'impression' or 'initial view.' The overall sense 'initial impression' is an idiomatic/metaphorical extension that a B1 learner who only knows the literal meanings would unlikely predict, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

First blush may come from the image of the first soft pink light, a blush at dawn that shows the rough shape of things but not the details. So 'first blush' means the first, quick impression you get before you look more closely.