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on the level
01
truthfully and without any deception
What is the origin of the idiom "on the level" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "on the level" is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century. It refers to the notion of a level surface, which is even and balanced. This idiomatic expression is mainly used to emphasize the idea of being straightforward and operating with integrity.
Example
The witness testified in court, vowing to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, ensuring that their testimony was on the level.
The contractor provided detailed documentation to prove that the construction project was on the level and met all the required standards.
He assured his friend that his intentions were on the level and that he genuinely wanted to help.
The financial advisor explained the investment options, assuring the client that all the information provided was on the level and based on thorough research.
After investigating the allegations, the journalist concluded that the sources were credible and the story was on the level.