(size/measure) someone up
Meaning(s)
1. look at or consider someone carefully before forming an opinion or estimation of them
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
size/measure someone up for the job
Analysis
When you 'size up' a person or a situation you evaluate the person or situation in order to decide what you think and how to act. Similarly 'to measure someone up' means to assess someone carefully or to make a judgement about them. To 'measure someone up' can also mean to literally take measurements of their body in order to make or fit clothing specifically for them. Don't confuse this with 'to measure up to someone' which means to be equally as good as or successful as someone else.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I sized Frank up the minute he walked into the interview. I knew he would be a good fit here.
- The boss has been measuring Carol up for a management job for a while now, but he still seems unsure about her.
- Once I got on stage at the conference, I had the chance to properly size the audience up. They seemed very serious, so I cut the jokes out of my speech.
Social Examples (Basic)
- My father sized up my boyfriend the second he walked through the door.
- You won't have a lot of time to get to know your opponent so you'll have to size them up quickly when you get into the boxing ring.
- Lilly is getting measured up for her wedding dress today.
- I feel like I have Jack measured up. He is really hard working when he is here but he's always late and a bit unreliable.