Get/take/have the measure of somebody
phrase
To understand someone's abilities or character.
As a new manager, I need a few weeks to get the measure of the team.
Often appears as...
- get the measure of someone
- take the measure of someone
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To understand someone's abilities or character.
As a new manager, I need a few weeks to get the measure of the team.
Often appears as...
- get the measure of someone
- take the measure of someone
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Judging Character
The phrase is often used when someone is trying to judge another's nature or intentions.
The detective took the measure of the suspect calmly.
Pro Tip 2/3Professional Assessment
In work contexts, it relates to understanding a colleague's or employee's work capabilities.
Give me time to get the measure of his negotiation skills.
Pro Tip 3/3Competitive Edge
Used in sports or competition to describe learning about opponents to gain an advantage.
Our coach has taken the measure of the rival team's strategy.
Pro Tip 1/3Judging Character
The phrase is often used when someone is trying to judge another's nature or intentions.
The detective took the measure of the suspect calmly.
Pro Tip 2/3Professional Assessment
In work contexts, it relates to understanding a colleague's or employee's work capabilities.
Give me time to get the measure of his negotiation skills.
Pro Tip 3/3Competitive Edge
Used in sports or competition to describe learning about opponents to gain an advantage.
Our coach has taken the measure of the rival team's strategy.
Pro Tip 1/3Judging Character
The phrase is often used when someone is trying to judge another's nature or intentions.
The detective took the measure of the suspect calmly.
Pro Tip 2/3Professional Assessment
In work contexts, it relates to understanding a colleague's or employee's work capabilities.
Give me time to get the measure of his negotiation skills.
Pro Tip 3/3Competitive Edge
Used in sports or competition to describe learning about opponents to gain an advantage.
Our coach has taken the measure of the rival team's strategy.
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