on a level—
1. at the same height:
- She had only brogue heels on her feet; and her shoulders were just about on a level with his.
2. of the same rank or quality:
- His work was highly regarded by the ancients, who placed him on a level with Homer and Sophocles.
on the level—
1. in an area where the ground is level:
- I should like a house on the level; I find it very tiring to climb this hill.
2. = on a level 1:
- His uniform was always spotless and he wore his white hat, no baseball caps then, down on the level with his eyebrows.
3. = on a level 2:
- It is hard to imagine that West would have minded this tribute, which put him on the level with Hogarth and Rembrandt.
4. (coll.) honest; trustworthy:
- Fred is on the level. He’ll do a proper job for you and charge you a reasonable price.