to scope out
18
5.4
- phrasal verb
- /skoʊp aʊt/
- Informal
:
echar un vistazo a
- 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
I 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
-
Before making an offer, it's wise to scope out the neighborhood to see if it suits your needs.
-
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.
-
Besides, how else are you gonna scope out the competition?
-
Go on up there and scope it out.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
∞
1.3
To look at something to check it or find information
∞
2.5
To look at or test something to learn more about it
∞
1.0
To look at something carefully to understand it
868
2.5
To look at something carefully to find facts or problems
670
2.4
To look at someone or something carefully to understand it
642
2.5
To check something carefully, like papers or work
573
2.8
Examine something carefully to find out more
552
1.0
Turn your head and eyes to see what is around you
471
2.3
To study something carefully to learn more about it
412
1.3
To check something carefully, for example an essay or a machine
357
1.0
To look at something carefully
180
2.8
To read or check something carefully for mistakes
61
3.7
To look carefully through information to find what is important
48
3.7
To look carefully at something to learn about it
44
3.9
To look through many things carefully to find something specific
35
5.1
To ask careful questions to find hidden information
32
7.0
To read something slowly and carefully to understand it
28
5.5
To study things like books or papers carefully to find information
1
4.2
Look at a report or plan very closely to find small mistakes
Antonyms
How Carefully
- Literature
35
5.1
∞
2.8
83
3.2
- Informal
18
5.4
∞
2.5
18
3.2
150
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'.