At first glance | English expression meaning | Free online English lessons
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At first glance
Today’s English expression is “at first glance.” This is a bit of a tricky one. We use this when your initial reaction to something might not be correct. So, we would say, “At first glance, this seems good, but it’s really bad.” Or you might say, “At first glance, that looks like a good value, but it’s really too expensive.”
Have you ever tried to rent a car in Mexico? At first glance, the prices look really good. I just checked the Hertz website—not the cheapest option—for car rentals at the Cancun airport next month for a week. Care to guess the cost? Less than $26 a day for a weeklong rental in peak season.
At first glance, that seems reasonable. But let me tell you something about renting a car in Mexico. The price shown on the website does not include a lot of mandatory insurance and other fees. I don’t know what the final bill will be, but you’re not getting out of there paying only $26 a day.
So how did the expression work in that example? I said, “At first glance, it seems pretty reasonable.” That means a person’s first reaction is likely to be that this is a good price. But that first reaction might not be true. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find there are fees that are not disclosed on the website.
How did you hear it in today’s lesson? I said, “At first glance, it appears that the era of conglomerates is over.” In the lesson, you heard that three big conglomerates announced they would be breaking themselves up over the next few years. Your first reaction might be that the era of conglomerates is over. After all, three of the biggest ones are breaking up!
But think about it a little more and you’ll discover that a new type of conglomerate is forming. Amazon, Apple, Alphabet—these companies are starting to look like tech conglomerates. At first glance, it might seem that conglomerates are dead. But think about it more and you might see it differently.
Did you get a new iPhone 13? Not me, I’m sticking with my iPhone 8. I hate the notch , so I’m trying to leg out another year on my ancient phone. At first glance, the iPhone 13 is the same as the iPhone 12. It looks the same, weighs about the same. It’s got most of the same features. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much of an improvement.
But there are some changes if you dig a little deeper. The iPhone 13 has double the storage, a faster processor, longer battery life, and better cameras. At first glance, the iPhone 13 is no different; it looks the same. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll see Apple made some significant improvements.
Quote of the Week
Today’s quote of the week is one that I need to keep reminding myself of. It’s from a business coach named Jack Canfield; he’s the author of a book called “The Success Principles.” The quote goes like this, “Don’t get it perfect. Just get it going.”
It’s about overcoming perfectionism in business, especially this idea that before you start something, it must be “perfect” in its final form. I’ve been guilty of this before, of waiting for something to be perfect before implementing it. It can be a dangerous trap to fall into. “Don’t get it perfect. Just get it going,” says Jack Canfield.
See you next time!
That brings us to the end of today’s Plain English. If you enjoyed today’s lesson, then you’ll love all the resources we have for you at PlainEnglish.com. We have multiple membership levels, including a free level, no credit card required, at PlainEnglish.com. The free level includes full transcripts of every lesson, extra English expressions in an area called “Learn the Lingo ,” a special home page, and much more. That’s all at PlainEnglish.com, sign up for the level that makes the most sense, and extend your English learning, even after you’ve finished listening.
Coming up on Thursday, it might be time to seriously consider moving to Portugal. The Portuguese parliament passed a law called the “right to relax.” At first glance, it seems like a dream. But we’ll dig deeper into the issue on Thursday’s lesson…see if you still think it’s a good idea after you hear what I have to say about it. That’s coming up in just a few days—see you then.
¿Hablas español?
The transcript of this lesson is available with interactive translations into Spanish. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines are powerful tools for communicating in the modern world . However, they often miss the context and can either mislead you or leave you confused . Our human translators are here to make sure that you’re getting not only the correct definition, but also the full context .
How can I use the translations in my studies?
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
你说中国话？
The transcript of this lesson is available with interactive translations into your language. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines
are
powerful tools for communicating
in the
modern world
. However,
they often miss the context
and can either
mislead you
or
leave you confused
. Our
human translators
are here
to make sure that
you’re getting
not only the correct definition, but also the full context
.
How can I use the translations in my studies?
arein the. However,and can eitheror. Ourare hereyou’re getting
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
Parlez-vous français?
The transcript of this lesson is available with interactive translations into your language. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines
are
powerful tools for communicating
in the
modern world
. However,
they often miss the context
and can either
mislead you
or
leave you confused
. Our
human translators
are here
to make sure that
you’re getting
not only the correct definition, but also the full context
.
How can I use the translations in my studies?
arein the. However,and can eitheror. Ourare hereyou’re getting
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
Can I see a sample?
Yes, please visit PlainEnglish.com/sample to see a sample episode with the Spanish translations.
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
Você fala português?
The transcript of this lesson is available with interactive translations into your language. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines
are
powerful tools for communicating
in the
modern world
. However,
they often miss the context
and can either
mislead you
or
leave you confused
. Our
human translators
are here
to make sure that
you’re getting
not only the correct definition, but also the full context
.
How can I use the translations in my studies?
arein the. However,and can eitheror. Ourare hereyou’re getting
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
Can I see a sample?
Yes, please visit PlainEnglish.com/sample to see a sample episode with the Spanish translations.
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
日本語は話せますか？
The transcript of this lesson is available with interactive translations into your language. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines
are
powerful tools for communicating
in the
modern world
. However,
they often miss the context
and can either
mislead you
or
leave you confused
. Our
human translators
are here
to make sure that
you’re getting
not only the correct definition, but also the full context
.
How can I use the translations in my studies?
arein the. However,and can eitheror. Ourare hereyou’re getting
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
Can I see a sample?
Yes, please visit PlainEnglish.com/sample to see a sample episode with the Spanish translations.
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
Parli italiano?
The transcript of this lesson is available with interactive translations into your language. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines
are
powerful tools for communicating
in the
modern world
. However,
they often miss the context
and can either
mislead you
or
leave you confused
. Our
human translators
are here
to make sure that
you’re getting
not only the correct definition, but also the full context
.
How can I use the translations in my studies?
arein the. However,and can eitheror. Ourare hereyou’re getting
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
Can I see a sample?
Yes, please visit PlainEnglish.com/sample to see a sample episode with the Spanish translations.
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
The transcript of this lesson is available with interactive translations into your language. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines
are
powerful tools for communicating
in the
modern world
. However,
they often miss the context
and can either
mislead you
or
leave you confused
. Our
human translators
are here
to make sure that
you’re getting
not only the correct definition, but also the full context
.
How can I use the translations in my studies?
arein the. However,and can eitheror. Ourare hereyou’re getting
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
Can I see a sample?
Yes, please visit PlainEnglish.com/sample to see a sample episode with the Spanish translations.
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
Sen Türkçe konuşmayı biliyor musun?
The transcripts of Plain English lessons are available with interactive translations into your language. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation. Turkish translations are available starting at Lesson 278.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines
are
powerful tools for communicating
in the
modern world
. However,
they often miss the context
and can either
mislead you
or
leave you confused
. Our
human translators
are here
to make sure that
you’re getting
not only the correct definition, but also the full context
.
How can I use the translations in my studies?
arein the. However,and can eitheror. Ourare hereyou’re getting
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
Can I see a sample?
Yes, please visit PlainEnglish.com/sample to see a sample episode with the Spanish translations.
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
Mówisz po polsku?
The transcript of Plain English lessons are available with interactive translations into your language. In each lesson transcript, we select about one hundred difficult words, phrases , and expressions for translation. Polish translations are available starting at Lesson 278.
How is this different than simply using a translation engine?
Translation engines
are
powerful tools for communicating
in the
modern world
. However,
they often miss the context
and can either
mislead you
or
leave you confused
. Our
human translators
are here
to make sure that
you’re getting
not only the correct definition, but also the full context
.
How can I use the translations in my studies?
arein the. However,and can eitheror. Ourare hereyou’re getting
Most members use the translations as they are listening to the lesson and reading along . When you come across a word you don’t understand, you don’t have to press pause to discover the meaning . You can simply hover your mouse over the highlighted word . This lets you learn the definition of the word without having to press pause on the audio.
Do the translations work on mobile?
Yes! Instead of hovering over a highlighted word, just tap on it .
Can I see a sample?
Yes, please visit PlainEnglish.com/sample to see a sample episode with the Spanish translations.
How can I
access
the translations?
Translations are included in two memberships: Plain English Plus+ and Starter. Choose a plan and get started today!
