put (something) through its paces
put (something) through its paces
To give something a thorough testing or examination so as to evaluate its worth, ability, or functionality. I can't wait to take this new sports car out on the open road so I can put it through its paces! Whenever you're buying a piece of equipment second hand, it's best to put it through its paces before you hand over the money for it.
See also: pace, put, through
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
put someone/something through their paces
COMMON If you put someone or something through their paces, you make them show you how well they can do something. The British coach, Ian Irwin, is putting the boxers through their paces. Dozens of tanks are being put through their paces to check that they're running correctly. Note: You can also say that someone or something goes through their paces if they show what they can do. After watching the machine go through its paces, he asked if it could be adapted to cook other foods. Note: To put a horse through its paces means to test it to see how well it has been trained.
See also: pace, put, someone, something, through
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- put (one) through (one's) paces
- put somebody/something through their/its paces
- put someone or something through their paces
- put someone through his or her paces
- put someone/something through their paces
- put through paces
- know (someone or something) through and through
- know through and through
- rake over
- put one through paces