going over

A careful check of something to find problems or make sure it is correct.

• The car needs a going over.
• She gave the report a thorough going over before sending it.
• Has the mechanic given the engine a going over?

How to use it: give something a going over (Give the car a going over before buying it.)

Similar words: inspection, examination, check, review

Common phrases: a thorough going over, a quick going over

A long, angry telling-off about something someone has done wrong.

• Dad gave me a going over.
• The coach gave the team a verbal going over after the match.
• She got a going over for losing the keys.

How to use it: give someone a going over (The boss gave me a going over for being late.)

Similar words: telling-off, scolding, dressing-down

Common phrases: a good going over, a verbal going over

A violent attack in which someone is hit many times.

• The thugs gave him a going over.
• He needed hospital treatment after a brutal going over.
• She escaped before the gang could give her a going over.

How to use it: give someone a going over (The gang gave him a going over behind the pub.)

Similar words: beating, thrashing

Common phrases: a brutal going over, a good going over

A thorough repair or improvement that puts something back into good condition.

• The engine needs a going over.
• We gave the old machine a going over and replaced its worn parts.
• After a thorough going over, the pump worked like new.

How to use it: give something a going over (The workshop gave the engine a complete going over.)

Similar words: overhaul, refurbishment

Common phrases: a complete going over, a proper going over

To be chosen in advance to win a professional wrestling match.

• The champion is going over tonight.
• The promoter confirmed that both rookies were going over.
• Who is going over in the final match?

How to use it: be going over (The champion is going over in tonight’s match.)

Similar words: be booked to win

Common phrases: going over tonight, going over clean