If we take you at your word and your student proves to be significantly weaker than your letter, we won't trust your future recommendations. (Google)
One problem with cynicism is that many people will fail to understand your cryptic, clever meaning and take you at your word. (Google)
We can only take him at his word that he didn't read the report that he said he should have read. Admitting that he had read the report would be like admitting guilt. (Google)