Face value

From Fresh Dictionary

English

Noun

face value

1. The amount or value listed on a bill, note, etc.; the stated value or amount.
2. ((idiomatic{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}})) No more or less than what is stated; a literal or direct meaning or interpretation.

   Please take this comment at face value and don't try to read anything into it.

See also

• read between the lines