trace around (something)

trace around (something)

To drawn an outline around something that is resting on or pressed against a flat surface. If you put your hand on the paper and trace around it with a pencil, it kind of looks like a turkey! Murder detectives used to trace around victims' bodies with chalk, though the practice is almost entirely relegated to pop culture these days.
See also: around, trace
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

trace around something

to press something against paper and draw a line around the edges that are in contact with the paper. Trace around this piece of material and cut out a new pattern. If you trace around the edges carefully, you will end up with a good drawing of the outline.
See also: around, trace
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • find way around
  • around (one's) ears
  • get (someone) around the table
  • get around the table
  • gaze around at (someone or something)
  • feel around
  • feel around (for someone or something)
  • crowd around
  • crowd around (someone or something)
  • forage