take at face value

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

to accept something — a statement, a promise, an offer, or a claim — as being exactly what it appears to be, without looking for hidden meanings, ulterior motives, or underlying complications; the metaphor derives from currency, where face value is the denomination printed on a coin or note, which may or may not reflect its actual worth in gold or on the market; taking something at face value involves a degree of trust or naivety, depending on context: it is sensible when dealing with straightforward, low-stakes communication from trustworthy sources, and potentially reckless when accepting complex offers, legal documents, or claims from parties whose interests may conflict with your own; the phrase often carries a slight warning, implying that face value may not be the whole story