Talk:on the level

Request for verification
rfv-sense: "A discreet reference to freemasonry." Usage example given: Are you on the level? (meaning: "Are you a freemason like myself?").

And I don't believe the freemasonry etymology either. DCDuring TALK 16:36, 8 June 2008 (UTC)


 * I had always thought that there was a reference to Freemasonry in this expression. However, the reference given has this quote "The use of the terms "square" or "level" as metaphors for honesty and trustworthiness also can be found in the annals of Rome, Greece, Egypt and China. They were not invented by the freemasons." So there you go. Probably needs a usage note though (to stop a readdition). SemperBlotto 21:23, 8 June 2008 (UTC)


 * I don't really take the Masons' word for it either, one way or the other. But my dictionaries suggest that "level" and "square" in the figurative meanings we have today certainly go back to Classical Latin. I am willing to be proven wrong about this term. DCDuring TALK 23:16, 8 June 2008 (UTC)


 * I would rfv-fail this unless someone feels like the reference given is sufficient. However, I think this does have another sense beyond just 'honest', a general sense of 'a member of the same group' (not limited to freemasons). — Beobach972 18:17, 1 July 2009 (UTC)


 * I would support the definition. It's been said to me a couple of times.  I don't know if it originated with Freemasonry or not, but it's definitely a phrase associated with the movement. < class="latinx">Ƿidsiþ 18:49, 26 September 2009 (UTC)


 * Clocked out. DCDuring TALK 19:28, 27 November 2009 (UTC)

RFV failed, sense removed. —Ruakh TALK 21:52, 16 December 2009 (UTC)