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Glite Dictionary
to take a squizz

to take a squizz

9.9
To have a quick look at something because you are curious
  • phrasal verb
  • Australian
: echar un vistazo
  • I always take a squizz at the dessert menu, even if I’m not hungry.

Examples

  • She stopped to take a squizz at the headlines before leaving the shop.

  • He leaned over to take a squizz at her notes during the lecture.

  • She decided to take a squizz at the new exhibit.

  • I took a squizz at his report yesterday.

  • I always take a squizz at the dessert menu, even if I’m not hungry.

  • She stopped to take a squizz at the headlines before leaving the shop.

  • He leaned over to take a squizz at her notes during the lecture.

Synonyms

to take a look
vsto take a squizz
∞ 1.3

To look at something to check it or find information

leans toward a quick, brief visual check rather than careful study
to have a look
vsto take a squizz
412 1.3

To check something carefully, for example an essay or a machine

is more of a quick, casual viewing rather than careful inspection
to glance
vsto take a squizz
299 1.5

To look quickly at someone or something

is the same brief action but more casual
to glance at
vsto take a squizz
150 2.0

Look quickly at someone or something

is similar but often driven by simple curiosity
to peek
vsto take a squizz
119 1.1

To look quickly and secretly at something

is likewise quick but usually without secrecy
to get a look
vsto take a squizz
88 2.8

To see someone or something for a short time

is an active quick look done intentionally out of curiosity
to peep
vsto take a squizz
30 3.2

To look quickly and secretly at something you are not supposed to see

is similarly quick but usually done openly and casually
to get a load of
vsto take a squizz
  • Informal
24 8.4

Tell someone to look at something surprising or interesting

is a short casual glance rather than a sustained close look
to glance over
vsto take a squizz
18 3.2

Look at something quickly without reading it carefully

is similar but emphasizes a very short glance from curiosity
to rake
vsto take a squizz
16 6.3

To look quickly through something to find an item or fact

is a quick visual check often for curiosity rather than scanning
to catch sight
vsto take a squizz
16 3.0

To see something for a short time, usually by chance

is a short intentional glance often done out of curiosity
to take a gander
vsto take a squizz
  • Informal
10 8.2

To look quickly and casually at something you are curious about

is a brief look often prompted by quick curiosity
to squiz
vsto take a squizz
  • Slang
9.9

To look quickly in an informal way

is a quick curious view often done briefly
to throw an eye
vsto take a squizz
  • UK
7.8

To look quickly at something

is the same short checking action done out of curiosity

Antonyms

to ignore
∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

to overlook
243 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

How Thorough

to examine
868 2.5
to check
∞ 1.0
to take a squizz
  • Australian
9.9
to glance
299 1.5

Surface Forms

take a squizz infinitive

Morphology

take + a + squizz

The meaning 'to have a quick look' is directly derivable from combining 'take' (to have/get) + 'a' + 'squizz' (a quick look), matching the productive pattern 'take a X' as in 'take a look'. Although 'squizz' is informal and dialectal, the composition is straightforward and predictable for a learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Take a squizz may come from the slang word squizz, which gives the picture of squeezing your eyes or squinting to see something quickly. That's why take a squizz means 'to have a quick look', often because you are curious.