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size up

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size someone or something up

to observe someone or something to get information; to check someone or something out. The comedian sized the audience up and decided not to use his new material. I like to size up a situation before I act.

See also: size, up

size up somebody/something

also size somebody/something up

to examine someone or something so you can make a judgment about them After sizing up the opposition, Abe suggested a strategy. Warren looked the man over, trying to size him up.

See also: size, up

size up

Make an estimate, opinion, or judgment of, as in She sized up her opponent and decided to withdraw from the election. This usage transfers measuring the size of something to broader meaning. [Late 1800s]

See also: size, up

size up

v.

To make an estimate, opinion, or judgment of someone or something: She sized up her opponent. He sized the location up.

See also: size, up