once-over

[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.
Origin
1910-15, Americanism
Examples from the web for once-over
  • Have a mechanic give your vehicle a once-over before heading out if you're not confident in your own mechanical abilities.
  • Have a mechanic give it the once-over and a tune-up.
  • And while you're at it, give your homeowner's policy a once-over.
  • Those who do typically give themselves a once-over standing in the shower.
British Dictionary definitions for once-over

once-over

noun (informal)
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)
Word Origin and History for once-over
n.

"inspection," 1913, from once + over.

Slang definitions & phrases for once-over

once-over

noun phrase

A hasty cursory performance or preparation; a LICK AND A PROMISE: a razor for a hasty once-over (1940s+)