once-over

American  

[wuhns-oh-ver] / ˈwʌnsˌoʊ vər /

noun

Informal.

1. a quick look, examination, or appraisal.

2. a quick, superficial job.

   He gave the car just a once-over with a rag.

---

once-over British  

noun

1. a quick examination or appraisal

2. a quick but comprehensive piece of work

3. a violent beating or thrashing (esp in the phrase give ( a person or thing ) the (or a ) once-over )

---

Etymology

Origin of once-over

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Explanation

If you quickly survey today's cafeteria offerings, you give them a once-over. After this swift once-over, you'll probably order the pizza again, like you do every day. Once-over is an informal noun, a great way to describe any brief inspection, search, or examination. When you're signing a contract, it's smart to read it carefully rather than just giving it a once-over. But when you're choosing a piece of Halloween candy from the basket your neighbor is offering, it's fine to grab one after a once-over. This American English slang term was coined at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Example Sentences

Less costly inspections will still have someone under the car doing all the things that many sellers have already done – looking for leaks, inspecting axles and tires, and giving the car a good once-over.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2024

If you like grilling, it’s important to give your grill a once-over before the first big cookout of the season.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2023

But he said trouble arose when his mechanic’s initial once-over revealed one of the “rear springs was broken in half,” among other problems that he alleged hadn’t been disclosed.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2022

I take the car in for an oil change, fluids top off, and once-over.

From Washington Post • Dec. 1, 2021

She smiles and nods her head as if she understands she’s made a mistake, then gives me a once-over.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko