Englishon the level
Meaning: Honest and without deception.
Example: “Is this seller on the level, or should I worry about a scam?”
Origin: Draws on the carpenter's or mason's level, a tool used to confirm that a surface sits perfectly, verifiably horizontal — a physical, objective standard that leaves no room for deception or hidden tilt. Stonemasonry's practical tools long carried symbolic moral weight well before Freemasonry adopted the same imagery formally, with "the level" specifically representing equality and honest, transparent dealing regardless of a person's rank or status. "On the level," for describing someone or something as genuinely honest and straightforward, borrows that same idea directly: nothing hidden, nothing tilted out of view, exactly as it appears on the surface.
More English idioms
- out of circulation Removed from the public; no longer available for use or social interaction.
- out of one's depth Beyond one's capability.
- out of one's element In a situation that one is unprepared for or unfamiliar with.
- out of the blue Suddenly and unexpectedly.
- out of the woods Out of danger; out of a very difficult situation.
- over the top Beyond expectations; outside normal or accepted boundaries; exaggerated.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Tienes mucho arte You have natural flair, charm, and creative talent — an effortless quality that can't be…
- Eres todo un personaje Said with deep affection: you're unforgettable, one of a kind, impossible to replace.
- Sei una forza della natura You're unstoppable — your energy and drive are bigger than any obstacle.
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