look-over

[look-oh-ver]

noun

1. a brief or superficial examination or reading.

look over

verb

1. (intr, preposition) to inspect by making a tour of (a factory, house, etc)

   we looked over the country house

2. (tr, adverb) to examine (a document, letter, etc)

   please look the papers over quickly

noun

1. an inspection: often, specifically, a brief or cursory one

Word History and Origins

Origin of look over¹

First recorded in 1905–10; noun use of verb phrase look over

Idioms and Phrases

Also, look up and down. Examine or inspect something or someone. For example, Jerry was looking over the books when he found an error, or They looked the new boy up and down. The first expression dates from the mid-1400s, the variant from the late 1800s.

Example Sentences

For now, my advice is this: if you purchase a new iPad Pro, just give it a close look-over right away to be sure your unit isn’t affected.

From The Verge

And while the voters of Kentucky are undoubtedly conservative, a look-over of Bevin’s political history reveals a man on the wrong side of the line separating “hyper-conservative” from “radical fringe.”

From Salon

The lunar rovers could also use a look-over to study how well their metal welds have held up over the years.

From Scientific American

All parts were then checked again and stamped, and a final look-over was given before a pilot was allowed to fly the plane.

From Scientific American

Since 11m machines are already in operation, many needing only a quick look-over and a dollop of grease every few months, this is a nice business.

From Economist

Related Words

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