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

Opinions on the level of public health risk are becoming increasingly divided as more information about the spread of the virus emerges.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

“Ultimately, we think the long-term outlook for gold will depend on the level of reserves EM central banks end up with, and the share of gold they target,” he said in written commentary.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

There he could start at $27 an hour, depending on the level of certifications he has under his belt by the time he graduates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

The payout has been capped at £120,000 since 2007 and must rise "at least in line with inflation" with new levels put in place based on the level of injury suffered.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Something might have been not exactly on the level about the death of Faye.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck