at first blush

From an obsolete sense of blush meaning to glance at.

• "The finer and more distinctive features of a land require deep study and long acquaintance, but the broader traits of nationality are caught in an instant, or not caught at all. Familiarity with, destroys them, and it is only at first blush that we learn to appreciate them with force."
• "At first blush it appears rather strange to consider for even a moment the possibility that corporate financial and business disclosure rises to the dignity of speech protected by the First Amendment."
• "Third, it is only at first blush that one finds no exercises in conceptual elucidation"
• "That may sound innocent at first blush, but a phrase like "American leadership is good … for the world" is a signal that these people want to impose their will on others; and when military strength and moral principle are added, the caution flag must be raised."
• "At first blush it seemed the attacks by the werewolf were random."

• at first glance
• at first sight
• on the face of it
• ostensibly