The expression "pass an eye over" is a colloquial way of saying "to take a quick look at something." The spelling of this phrase may be confusing for non-native English speakers, as the pronunciation of the word "pass" sounds like /pæs/ and "over" as /ˈoʊ·vər/. In this case, the spelling of "pass" remains the same, while "an eye" and "over" are pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/. Therefore, the correct spelling is "pass an eye over" rather than "pass and eye over."
To "pass an eye over" is an idiomatic expression that implies briefly glancing or quickly scanning something with one's eyes. It denotes a casual and cursory examination or review of the subject in question. This phrase is often used to describe a swift yet superficial observation of written documents, texts, or visual materials.
When one "passes an eye over" something, they observe its contents or appearance for a brief moment, focusing mainly on the general aspects rather than delving into the details. The intention is not to thoroughly analyze or scrutinize the subject matter but rather to get a sense of its overall content, relevance, or significance.
This expression can be applied in various contexts. For instance, it can be used to describe a person quickly browsing through a newspaper article, skimming a report, or flicking through a book. "Passing an eye over" can also refer to glancing at an object or a scene, such as casting a casual gaze over a room or scanning a landscape in a quick, perfunctory manner.
Overall, to "pass an eye over" signifies a rapid and cursory examination, allowing one to form a general impression or obtain a brief understanding of the subject matter before moving on to more detailed analysis or deeper engagement.