give a swift once-over

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Could you explain to me the origin of the expression in bold below?

Anyway, when I sat down and ordered a bowl of soup I saw the truck drivers giving me the once-over.

once-over = a quick but comprehensive survey or performance:
Let's give this memorandum the once-over.

once over = a swift cursory examination or inspection
once-over = a passing glance/ a cursory glance

Would you be kind enough explain to me the sence of this expression? Must I learn by heart so many different expression without insight in their gist?

Taking her eyes from the man onstage, she gave the punters a swift once-over.
Jeanette gave her a quick once-over.
Could you give it a once-over ?
The 1922 Once-Over tillage system allowed users to plough, power harrow and inject carbon dioxide to boost….

Regards.

V.

[Soup]

Hi vil

Verb give the once over - look at with a critical eye; e.g., "When the movie star entered, all the women gave him the once over".

give the once over - definition of give the once over by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

[vil]

Hi Soup,

Thank you for your elucidatory reply. Thank you also for the complementary link which enlarge doubtless my knowledge concerning the expression in question.

Regards.

V.