Slang definitions & phrases for give someone the once-over
give someone the once-over
verb phrase
To examine quickly; glance at, esp with a view to evaluation or identification; check out: That guy in the corner is giving us the once-over/ I gave her papers the once-over and figured she qualified(1915+)
Idioms and Phrases with give someone the once-over
give someone the once-over
Also, give someone the eye. Look or stare at someone with interest. For example, The new coach gave the team the once-over before introducing himself, or He gave her the eye and she blushed. The first expression, a colloquialism, generally implies a quick but comprehensive survey or assessment. The variant, a slangy usage sometimes amplified to give the glad eye, often signifies an inviting glance. [ Early 1900s ]