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.

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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 )

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Etymology

Origin of once-over

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

But once a module is shipped to a site, local inspectors will often do their own once-over.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

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

More dates followed — wine and cheese at her apartment, a bar hangout with Gloria’s numerous friends giving Andy a careful once-over.

From Washington Post • Nov. 27, 2021

Mr. Ray stood there for a second and gave me a once-over, as if he was upset that I was trying to work in Cluck Bucket.

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds