1. a quick check or examination of something/someone
Professional
Social
give something a/the once-over
When you give something a/the 'once-over', it means to examine it or glance over it: "I heard you have some medical training. Would you mind giving me a once-over? I hit my head." It can also be used to talk about cleaning something quickly: "I want to give the kitchen a once-over before the guests arrive." This is used in professional and social contexts. Similar expressions include 'a quick glance' and 'a look over.'