at first blush
3
6.8
- idiom
:
a primera vista
- The teachers in the current study provided a mix of responses that, at first blush, appear contradictory.
- At first blush, everything appeared normal
- At first blush, this seems plausible
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.
- 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.
Examples
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At first blush, a policy of extended deterrence might appear to be a sensible and effective approach.
Academic text (2011) -
At first blush, the findings seem only to deepen the enigma of the Yauya stela.
Academic text (2002) -
At first blush, the activities may not seem too closely related.
Academic text (2009) -
Of course, this doesn't control for any other factors, but at first blush it suggests it's helpful.
Blog text (12) -
At first blush, the inclination might be to consider these events as examples of two very familiar stories.
Academic text (2018) -
Defined by the rules of private property and outside the jurisdiction of any town or city, at first blush, the plantation might seem to represent the ideal of retreat from government.
Academic text (2017) -
The cases don't mean what they may seem to mean at first blush, and what they did mean at the time often answers questions that Fourth Amendment doctrine no longer asks.
Academic text (2018) -
Today we're going to talk about a trait that might seem fun at first blush, but isn't so nice as you get to know the narcissist.
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At first blush, the indictment against Moussaoui lists acts that don't readily appear connected to Sept. 11.
Academic text (2002) -
At first blush, the new policy seems at first blush beneficial for everyone involved.
Synonyms
78
3.3
When you first see something and notice or feel something right away
32
3.5
You notice something before you look more closely
9
9.5
Appears true at first sight before more checks
9
3.0
With a quick look you notice something right away
Surface Forms
Morphology
The element 'first' clearly signals an initial impression, but 'blush' (a reddening of the cheeks) does not transparently contribute the sense of 'glance' or 'initial consideration.' The phrase is a mildly idiomatic, somewhat literary way to mean 'at first glance,' so learners who know the words may only partially infer the meaning and typically need prior exposure.
Etymology
At first blush may come from the sudden red color blush that appears on a face at a first look, giving a quick, first impression. That's why it means 'how something seems when you first see or think about it, before looking more closely'.