Guide 194 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “at face value”
A numismatic metaphor — take the coin for its stamped amount.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
From the face of a coin, literal since the 18th century. Means "without deeper scrutiny." Useful when you're pointing out that scrutiny is warranted; empty when no scrutiny is planned either way.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
We took the report at face value.
After
We accepted the report without re-checking its numbers.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01Without questioning neutral
explicit passivity
Without questioning, we accepted the report.
- 02As given neutral
accept as is
We accepted the data as given.
- 03On trust neutral
foreground trust
We accepted the report on trust.
- 04Uncritically formal
mild critique
We accepted the report uncritically.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
If a coin's face value is wrong, the value was the problem — not the face.