on the level

Cultural  

1. Honest, without deception: “We doubted that the offer could be genuine, but it turned out to be on the level.”

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on the level Idioms  

1. Honest, straightforward, sincere, as in You can believe her—she's on the level. This expression may have come from Freemasonry, where the carpenter's level symbolizes integrity. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Adverse effects depend on the level of lead in the food, the age of the consumer and the frequency of exposure, according to the FDA.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Those involved could include the Special Boat Service and the Royal Marines, depending on the level of resistance expected from crews aboard the shadow vessels.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

New England’s rapid offensive improvement this year is a reminder that there are few geniuses in the sport on the level of the 49-year-old McDaniels.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

And when the star is a legend on the level of Reiner, the contrivance can be even riskier.

From Salon • Dec. 21, 2025

He was a god among geeks, a nerd uber-deity on the level of Gygax, Garriott, and Gates.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline