"give somebody or something a once-over"Tanımı ve Anlamı

to give somebody or something a once-over

İFADE

hızlıca göz atmak

to examine a thing or person very quickly

to [give] {sb/sth} (a|the) once-over definition and meaning

Idiom

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.

Example

Can you give my paper a once-over?

He opened the door and quickly gave the apartment a once over, confirming that nothing was untoward.

When you ’re finished with that letter I ’ll give it the once over before you mail it.

give something a once-over

to give something a once-over

İFADE

çabucak temizlemek

to rid something of dirt in a rapid manner

Idiom

Informal

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.

Example

Before the guests arrived, she gave the living room a quick once-over, dusting the surfaces and fluffing the cushions.

He glanced at the report, giving it a once-over to check for any obvious errors before submitting it.

The mechanic gave the car engine a quick once-over, checking for any visible signs of damage or leaks.