once-over-lightly
Definition
Noun - A superficial examination or treatment: "once-over-lightly" refers to a quick, cursory inspection or a hasty, incomplete performance of a task, often done without thoroughness or attention to detail.
Usage Examples
- (A quick, superficial review.)
- (A hasty and incomplete inspection.)
- (A perfunctory or careless job.)
Advanced Usage
"to give something a once-over-lightly": to examine or do something in a rapid, superficial manner.
- She gave her homework a once-over-lightly and submitted it without checking for errors. (She reviewed it quickly and carelessly.)
"a once-over-lightly job": work that is done with minimal effort or attention.
- The painting was a once-over-lightly job, with paint splattered on the windows. (A hastily done, poor-quality task.)
Variants and Related Words
Once-over (n): a quick look or inspection.
- He gave the car a once-over before buying it. (A brief examination.)
Lightly (adv): without force or thoroughness; gently or superficially.
- She touched the surface lightly. (With little pressure or depth.)
Synonyms
- Cursory: hasty and without attention to detail.
- Perfunctory: carried out with minimal effort or reflection.
- Superficial: existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough.
- Quick look: a brief glance or examination.
Related Idioms
Give something the once-over: to inspect or examine something quickly.
- The mechanic gave the engine the once-over. (A quick check.)
Do a half-baked job: to perform a task incompletely or poorly.
- He did a half-baked job on the repairs. (A substandard, unfinished effort.)