give sb/sth a / the once-over

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈaʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ ðə wˈɒnsˈəʊvə/

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ ðə wˈʌnsˈoʊvɚ/

to give sb/sth a / the once-over

to examine a thing or person very quickly

synonyms : look-over

give sth a / the once-over

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ ðə wˈɒnsˈəʊvə/

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ ðə wˈʌnsˈoʊvɚ/

to give sth a / the once-over

to rid something of dirt in a rapid manner

Examples

1. I wait patiently whilst he gives me the once-over.

2. Can you give my paper a once-over?

3. The maid gave the room the once-over lightly.

4. Would you mind giving the carpet a once-over with the vacuum cleaner?