What is the origin of the idiom "give someone or something a once-over" and when to use it?

The idiom "give someone or something a once-over" likely has its origins in military and inspection in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is used to describe the action of briefly and superficially examining or assessing someone or something, typically for a specific purpose, without going into great detail.

What is the origin of the idiom "give something a once-over" and when to use it?

The idiom "give something a once-over" originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the act of quickly inspecting or examining something. The phrase suggests a cursory or superficial inspection, often with the intention of removing dirt, dust, or other surface-level impurities. It is mainly used to convey the idea of a brief and rapid assessment to ensure cleanliness or tidiness without delving into a thorough or detailed examination.