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

Companies raise or lower prices for a number of reasons — depending on the level of competition, the willingness of customers to pay, their own costs and their profit margins.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

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

The bike charges to full battery in a couple of hours and has a range of 25 to 100 miles, depending on the level of electric assist used.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 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

At the foot of the mile-long slope, there was a stand of the great trees, and nearby a river meandered on the level grassy ground.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman