The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase at first sight—(also: at first glance) when first seen or considered, often with the implication that one’s first impression is probably wrong:
Category: Confusing Phrases
At short hand vs In short hand
at short hand—in the short term; quickly:
At quiet vs On the quiet
at quiet—at peace; in a state of calm or repose:
At present vs In the present
at present—right now; at this time (of a situation that might be temporary):
At play vs In play
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase in full play—in full action or operation; acting with full force:
At one’s worst vs At the worst
at one’s worst—said of smb. in the worst or most undesirable state:
At one’s time of life vs In one’s lifetime
at one’s time of life—at one’s age (especially middle age):
At one’s risk vs At risk
at one’s risk—accepting responsibility; agreeing to make no claims:
At one’s fingertips vs To one’s fingertips
at one’s fingertips —(of facts, information, etc.) readily available thanks to thorough knowledge (also: at one’s finger-ends):
At one’s command vs Under one’s command
under one’s command—under smb.’s charge or control:
At one’s back vs On one’s back
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase on one’s shoulders—being smb.’s responsibility:
At one time and another vs At one time or another
at one time and another—from time to time; occasionally: