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Glite Dictionary
to chi-by-eye

to chi-by-eye

9.9
To judge size, distance, or weight by looking, not by measuring
  • phrasal verb
  • Informal
translation icon : estimar a ojo
  • The technician decided to chi-by-eye the length rather than measure it with a tape.

Examples

  • I usually chi-by-eye the weight of the package when shipping.

  • Can you chi-by-eye how far it is to the park?

  • Sometimes, you just have to chi-by-eye things to keep the job moving.

  • I often chi-by-eye the length of the table.

  • When measuring the shelves, I decided to chi-by-eye the height instead of using a ruler.

  • In a hurry, he often chi-by-eye the distance to see if he can reach the store before closing.

  • To save time, she would chi-by-eye the amount of fabric needed for the dress.

Synonyms

to eyeball
vsto chi-by-eye
  • Informal
7 3.9

To judge size or distance with your eyes without measuring

adds that calculation is also avoided, not only measurement
to gage
vsto chi-by-eye
  • US
5.3

To measure how much, how big and how good something is

limits use to visual judgment without measuring or calculation

Antonyms

to measure
700 1.0

To find the size, amount, or strength of something

to calculate
210 2.8

To work out an amount using maths or a calculator

How Accurate

to calculate
210 2.8
to chi-by-eye
  • Informal
9.9
to guesstimate
  • Informal
3 6.5

Surface Forms

chi-by-eye infinitive
chi-by-eyed past
chi-by-eyed past participle
chi-by-eyeing present participle
chi-by-eyes third person singular

Etymology

Chi-by-eye comes from combining chi, an old East Asian word for 'length', and by-eye, meaning 'using your sight'. So to chi-by-eye something is to estimate its size, weight, or distance just by looking, not by measuring.