The phrase "went once over lightly" is a colloquial expression that means to briefly or superficially examine something. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be spelled as /wɛnt wʌns ˈoʊvər ˈlaɪtli/, consisting of the phonetic symbols for the sounds "w" (voiceless labio-velar approximant), "ɛ" (open-mid front unrounded vowel), "nt" (alveolar nasal and voiceless dental fricative), "wʌns" (voiceless labio-velar approximant, open-mid back unrounded vowel, alveolar nasal and dental fricative), "oʊvər" (diphthong consisting of open-mid back rounded vowel and schwa), and "laɪtli" (voiceless dental fric
"Once over lightly" is an idiomatic expression that means to quickly or briefly examine or assess something without giving it a thorough or in-depth evaluation. It can be used in various contexts, such as when reviewing a document, inspecting an object, or evaluating a situation.
When the phrase "went once over lightly" is used, it implies that someone went through a particular subject matter with a quick or casual approach, usually not delving into all the details or intricacies. This phrase hints at a superficial or cursory examination rather than an exhaustive analysis.
For example, if someone says they "went once over lightly" through a report, it suggests that they skimmed or briefly reviewed the document, focusing on the main points without thoroughly studying or analyzing all the contents. Similarly, if someone inspects a new product once over lightly, it means they examined it quickly to get a general idea or impression without conducting a meticulous examination.
This expression conveys a sense of a rapid or expedited overview, indicating that the person did not spend an extensive amount of time or effort on the examination. The goal is to gain a general understanding or impression without engaging in a comprehensive analysis.