more than meets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than meets" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to imply that there is additional depth or complexity beyond initial appearances. An example is: "The project is more than meets the eye; it has many hidden benefits." Alternative expressions include "beyond what appears," "more than it seems," and "greater than it looks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Dijkstra more than meets the challenge.

The New York Times - Arts

More than meets the eye.

Cornell University

There's always more than meets the eye".

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe there's more than meets the eye.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And democratic politicians have achieved more than meets the eye.

The Economist

Yet there is more than meets the eye.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps, though, there is more than meets the eye.

The Guardian - Sport

"But I think there is much more than meets the eye.

The New York Times

YES MAN There's more than meets the eye in this comedy, though that's not saying much.

The New Yorker

There's more than meets the eye to the man behind the cloth.

Independent

When it comes to fatigue, there is more than meets the eye.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "more than meets" when discussing art, literature, or social phenomena to suggest multiple layers of interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "more than meets" in situations where the complexity is already apparent. Using it unnecessarily can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than meets" functions as an idiomatic expression used to suggest that there is hidden depth, complexity, or significance beyond what is immediately apparent. Ludwig AI shows that it's often used to hint at underlying issues or hidden meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than meets" is a common idiomatic expression used to indicate hidden complexities or underlying meanings that are not immediately obvious. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academia. The phrase serves to create intrigue and prompt further exploration, suggesting that there is more to a situation than initially perceived. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding pretentious in simple contexts. Remember, the phrase invites deeper analysis, ensuring your audience recognizes the full scope of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeper than it appears

Focuses on the hidden depth rather than a simple surface-level assessment.

more to it than one thinks

Highlights that the initial perception is often incomplete or misleading.

not as simple as it looks

Emphasizes that the apparent simplicity belies underlying complexities.

conceals hidden depths

Suggests that something is intentionally hiding additional significance.

has layers of meaning

Implies multiple levels of interpretation or understanding.

unveils surprising aspects

Highlights how something reveals unexpected or remarkable traits.

holds unforeseen complexities

Indicates hidden complicated features that are not immediately realized.

hides a richer story

Implies the existence of a more detailed narrative behind the surface appearance.

is not what it seems

Emphasizes the difference between appearance and reality.

possesses unseen qualities

Highlights hidden attributes that contribute to overall characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "more than meets" in a sentence?

You can use "more than meets" to indicate that there's hidden complexity or deeper meaning beyond what is immediately apparent. For example, "This situation is "more than meets" the eye; there are underlying political motivations at play."

What is a similar expression to "more than meets"?

A similar expression is "not what it seems", which also suggests that there is a hidden reality or deeper meaning behind an initial appearance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "more than meets"?

It's appropriate when you want to imply that there is additional information or complexity that isn't immediately obvious. It suggests the need for further investigation or understanding.

What's the difference between ""more than meets"" and "at first glance"?

"At first glance" describes initial impressions, while ""more than meets"" suggests that those initial impressions are incomplete or misleading, implying hidden aspects.