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Glite Dictionary
to skimp over

to skimp over

7.5
To deal with something quickly and not in enough detail
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : pasar por alto
  • Don't skimp over the details in your report!

Examples

  • The report skimped over the most critical issues, leaving many questions unanswered.

  • He tends to skimp over details when he's in a hurry.

  • You shouldn't skimp over the safety instructions if you want to avoid accidents.

  • Why do you skimp over your homework?

  • If you want to succeed, don't skimp over the details in your project.

  • The report was poorly written because he chose to skimp over important research.

  • She decided to skimp over her preparation for the exam, which resulted in a low score.

Synonyms

to gloss over
vsto skimp over
22 6.5

Make a problem or mistake seem less serious by leaving out details

is done hurriedly and insufficiently rather than mainly downplaying problems
to smooth over
vsto skimp over
18 4.9

Make a problem or argument seem less serious without fixing it

is a superficial hurried treatment rather than a deliberate calming action
to skate over
vsto skimp over
  • Informal
1 6.9

Handle a problem quickly without looking at the details

is more about doing too little carelessly rather than just speed
to underdo
vsto skimp over
1 6.1

To do less than is needed for a task

is about superficial hurried handling rather than simply reduced effort
to underemphasize
vsto skimp over
1 6.7

To give too little attention to something

is about careless quick treatment rather than merely downplaying importance
to slur over
vsto skimp over
7.9

To deal with a subject quickly and without enough detail

is hurried and insufficient in action rather than only omitting details
to undertreat
vsto skimp over
8.0

To give less attention or care than needed

is hurried and done carelessly rather than only lacking enough treatment

How Thorough

to address
∞ 3.6
to skimp over
7.5
to gloss over
22 6.5
to ignore
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

skimp over infinitive
skimped over past
skimped over past participle
skimping over present participle
skimps over third person singular

Morphology

skimp + over

The meaning follows from combining 'skimp' (to give or use less than required) with the particle 'over' (covering or across), so a learner who knows both words can plausibly infer treating something superficially or insufficiently. However, the phrasal-verb nuance and the low frequency of 'skimp' (and possible confusion with 'skim over') make the exact sense not fully predictable without exposure.

Etymology

The verb skimp over may come from the idea of skimp or 'skim', meaning to touch only the top, and over meaning across. Imagine quickly running your eye over a page so you only see the surface and miss the details. That's why skimp over means to treat something quickly and 'not enough'.