size-up

[ sahyz-uhp ]

noun

1. an appraisal or estimation, especially as the result of sizing up:

   asking for a size-up of the new office equipment.

size up

verb

1. tr to make an assessment of (a person, problem, etc)
2. to conform to or make so as to conform to certain specifications of dimension

Word History and Origins

Origin of size-up¹

Noun use of verb phrase size up

Idioms and Phrases

Make an estimate, opinion, or judgment of, as in She sized up her opponent and decided to withdraw from the election . This usage transfers measuring the size of something to broader meaning. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Professor Bill Chaplin, Head of the School of Physics & Astronomy at Birmingham, and a member of the team, said: "The mismatch between the predicted and observed sizes of these stars has implications for finding planets around them. If we use the most successful planet-finding technique -- the so-called transit method -- we get the size of the planet relative to the size of the star; if we don't size-up the star correctly, the same will be true of any small planet we have found."

From Science Daily

“I’m not trying to size-up against other players,” Adell added.

From Los Angeles Times

Martin had the chance to size-up the maple a few years back and admits it “was impressive.”

From Washington Times

Martin had the chance to size-up the maple a few years back and admits it “was impressive.”

From Seattle Times

When asked if there was trash talking between the five finalists beforehand, Chubb joked “It’s all goodwill. It’s a little size-up stuff with a lot of guys asking, ‘What were your stats like this year?’

From Washington Times

Related Words

• audit
• check
• check out
• consider
• criticize
• delve into
• explore
• inspect
• investigate
• ponder
• pore over
• probe
• read
• research
• review
• scan
• screen
• scrutinize
• study
• survey