scope out

idiom

Meaning

To examine; to scout; to investigate.

Origin

disputed origin

Quite possibly from the act of surveying (something) from a distance with a scope, such as a field scope (telescope), binoculars, or periscope, as especially in military reconnoitering.

Examples

SIMPLE

Let's scope out the new store before it gets crowded.

CONTEXTUAL

I went to the venue early to scope out the best seats for the concert.

COMPLEX

The detectives decided to scope out the warehouse under the cover of darkness to gather evidence before the raid.

Anchors to

scope