Definition

1. Noun:
   • A severe scolding or reprimand: A harsh, critical telling-off or verbal punishment.
   • A careful and thorough inspection or examination: A detailed and meticulous review, check, or analysis of something.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Severe scolding):

  • He got a real going-over from the boss for missing the deadline.
  • The coach gave the team a thorough going-over after their poor performance.

• Noun (Thorough inspection):

  • The accountant gave the books a complete going-over.
  • Before buying the used car, I gave it a proper going-over.

Advanced Usage

• "to give someone/something a going-over": This is the standard phrase used with both meanings. It implies an active, often forceful, application of scrutiny or criticism.
  • The editor gave my manuscript a rigorous going-over. (Thorough inspection)
  • My parents gave me a stern going-over when I came home late. (Severe scolding)

Variants and Related Words

• Go over (phrasal verb): To examine, review, or check something carefully.
  • Let's go over the plan one more time.
• Once-over (noun, informal): A quick, casual inspection (less thorough than a "going-over").
  • He gave the document a quick once-over.

Synonyms

• For a scolding: Dressing-down, tongue-lashing, reprimand, rebuke.
• For an inspection: Examination, scrutiny, review, check-up, audit.

Related Phrases

• To go over something with a fine-tooth comb: To examine something in extreme detail.
  • The investigators went over the scene with a fine-tooth comb.

Noun

1. a severe scolding
2. a careful and thorough inspection