scout out
Related to scout out: scout up
scout out
To make a preliminary investigation, inspection, or analysis of someone or something in order to determine its or their suitability or potential for future use. A noun or pronoun can be used between "scout" and "out." We need to scout out some locations for the music video this weekend. I go and scout student athletes out who would make good additions to our college team.
See also: out, scout
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
scout someone or something out
to search for and discover someone or something. I will scout a new salesclerk out for you if you want. I'll scout out a new clerk for you.
See also: out, scout
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
scout out
v.
To go to a place to make a preliminary inspection of someone or something in order to evaluate it for possible use, purchase, or hire, or in order to obtain information ahead of a future encounter: The college coach went to a high school game to scout out a potential recruit. I went ahead of the other hikers and scouted the trail out.
See also: out, scout
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- scope out
- scope someone out
- pick apart
- trial balloon
- root out
- preserve (something) for (someone or something)
- preserve for
- rake over
- check up on (someone or something)
- short arms inspection