to scope out
34
5.4
- phrasal verb
- /skoʊp aʊt/
- Informal
- Chief, I say you and me scope out the area in case we need to beat a hasty retreat.
- scope out the scene
- scope out the place
- scope out the situation
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Watch on YouTubeI mean, maybe build a ramp, maybe scope out some houses.
- I mean, maybe build a ramp, maybe scope out some houses.
- I would need to go to her place of work and sort of scope out what's happening.
- I like to scope out, if you will, what they have going on menu wise.
- So we're going to head back to the Airbnb, get some sleep and wake up for sunrise to scope out.
Examples
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Before making an offer, it's wise to scope out the neighborhood to see if it suits your needs.
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It's a handy way for scoping out a business before you visit.
Blog text (22) -
And then we need to scope out the situation with the girls.
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Besides, how else are you gonna scope out the competition?
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Go on up there and scope it out.
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Let's hit the bar and scope out the competition.
Fiction book (1999) -
I would need to go to her place of work and sort of scope out what's happening.
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First and foremost, when you attend a race event, you need to scope out the area well in advance.
Academic text (2006) -
I'm going to go scope out what's happening with the with the equipment delivery.
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I definitely scoped out the local restaurant/bar scene to see what the locals do.
Blog text (25)
Synonyms
∞
1.0
Study something carefully to understand it or decide
∞
1.0
To look at something carefully for some time
∞
2.5
To look at or test something to learn more about it
∞
1.3
To look at something to check it or find information
834
2.5
To look at something carefully to find facts or problems
671
2.8
Examine something carefully to find out more
668
1.0
Turn your head and eyes to see what is around you
562
2.3
To study something carefully to learn more about it
372
2.5
To check something carefully, like papers or work
349
1.0
To look at something carefully to understand it
323
1.0
To look at something carefully
192
1.3
To check something carefully, for example an essay or a machine
152
2.8
To read or check something carefully for mistakes
56
3.7
To look carefully through information to find what is important
47
3.7
To look carefully at something to learn about it
46
5.1
To ask careful questions to find hidden information
45
3.9
To look through many things carefully to find something specific
33
7.0
To read something slowly and carefully to understand it
24
5.5
To study things like books or papers carefully to find information
3
4.2
Look at a report or plan very closely to find small mistakes
3
2.4
To look at someone or something carefully to understand it
Antonyms
How Carefully
- Literature
46
5.1
∞
2.8
60
3.2
- Informal
34
5.4
∞
2.5
10
3.2
218
2.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The verb 'scope' already means 'to examine or survey', and adding the particle 'out' simply gives a directional/complete nuance (looking around or examining externally), so the composite meaning 'to look at or examine carefully' is directly derivable from the parts. This follows a common and predictable verb+particle pattern in English, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would very likely infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Scope out may come from using a scope, a small tube or lens, to look out over an area, like a hunter or scout checking the land before moving. So scope out now means 'to look at something carefully to get information before you act'.