a once-over
Meaning(s)
1. a quick check or examination of something/someone
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
give something a/the once-over
Analysis
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.'
Social Examples (Advance)
- Give your hotel room a once-over before you leave, in case you've forgotten something.
- The security guard at the airport gave me the once-over, but he obviously didn't think I looked suspicious because he let me pass without saying anything.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I've already read through my article a number of times looking for mistakes, but before I submit it I'm going to ask Jane to give it a once-over just in case I missed anything.