at first glance


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Related to at first glance: couldn't, by way of, at least, in total, take it for granted

glance 1

 (glăns)
v. glanced, glanc·ing, glanc·es
v.intr.
1.
a. To direct the eyes at or toward something briefly: glanced in the rearview mirror.
b. To read quickly or in cursory fashion: glanced at the menu.
2.
a. To strike a surface at such an angle as to be deflected: A pebble glanced off the windshield.
b. To shine over or through something at an angle: The sun glanced through the leaves.
c. To be reflected, especially in flashes: sunlight glanced off the water.
3. To make a passing reference; touch briefly: a history course that only glanced at the Korean conflict.
v.tr.
1. To strike (a surface) at an angle; graze: The arrow glanced the target but didn't stick. See Synonyms at brush1.
2. To cause to strike a surface at an angle: glanced a stone off the wall.
n.
1. A brief or cursory look: gave the paper a glance before breakfast.
2. A quick flash of light; a gleam.
3. An oblique movement following impact; a deflection: The car struck the barrier and went off at a glance.
Idiom:
at first glance
On initial consideration: At first glance the plan seemed unworkable.
[Middle English glauncen, alteration (influenced by glenten, to shine) of glacen, from Old French glacer, to slide; see glacis.]

glance 2

 (glăns)
n.
Any of various minerals that have a brilliant luster: silver glance.
[German Glanz, from Middle High German glanz, from Old High German, bright; see ghel- in Indo-European roots.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Adv.1.at first glance - immediatelyat first glance - immediately; "it was love at first sight"
at first sight
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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References in classic literature ?
At any rate, if we yield to it, we must grant a far greater age to the Right Whale than at first glance will seem reasonable.
View in context
Columnist Albert Hani emphasizes that although, at first glance, it seems that during the name negotiation process, which lasted for almost three decades, the Albanians had marginalized positions, from the beginning it was known that the key to the solution of the problem was in their hands.
HANI: DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS ALBANIANS HAD THE ROLE OF THE CONCILIATORY FACTOR
At first glance, it appeared completely normal and harmless - until users spotted something EXTRA on offer.
Man selling microwave on Facebook accidentally advertises far more than he bargained for; At first glance, the advert for the kitchen appliance appears completely normal and harmless - until social media users spotted something EXTRA on offer
I came upon him just by chance, An eerie figure at first glance. He did not mean for me to scare, I'd come upon him unaware.
Close encounter of poetic kind; Yousay IN YOUR OPINION..
The boxes are available to buy at First Glance bridal boutique in Sunderland.
It's a wrap
THE prices at which you can oppose bookings - both on the spreads and the fixed-odds - in the televised Premiership match between Everton and Manchester United might seem a bit high at first glance, but this is one of those occasions when first glances can be misleading.
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I must admit that, at first glance, the notion of "the politics of Jesus" rather puzzled me.
The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the true revolutionary nature of Jesus' teachings and how they have been corrupted
At first glance, the approach seems fraught with problems.
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An evenhanded, straightforward evaluation, to be commended especially for its close scrutiny of the cultural differences that at first glance make Islamic and Muslim practices alien to Westerners, and Western culture confusing to or misinterpreted by Muslims.
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Like many propositions that look irresistible at first glance, claims outsourcing has proven a compelling but elusive goal for many insurers.
A new beginning: claims outsourcing can fulfill its promise to the industry
When two detectives arrest Alex Jordan for the alleged killing of their friend and co-worker, her horrific, explicit, and brutal confessions reveal that the murder case is far more complex than it would appear at first glance. A dark story of manipulation, a woman taken to the breaking point, and threatening human darkness so profound it makes two detectives strive to protect a cop-killer from the gas chamber, Deadly Dreams and Desires simultaneously chills and fascinates the reader.
Deadly Dreams and Desires
The fiction gives meaning to abuses that at first glance seem only cruel.
A different truth

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