quick glance

You usually use this phrase with the verbs take, give, or have. For example, you can take a quick glance at your watch. It often follows the preposition at. You can also use it to describe how you read something. If you give a report a quick glance, it means you didn't read every word. You probably just checked the headings. It’s a great way to show you are busy but attentive.

This phrase is perfect for everyday life. Use it when you are checking the time during a boring meeting. Use it when you see a cute dog on the street. It works well when you are looking for someone in a crowded room. In a professional setting, use it to describe a fast review of a document. It implies speed and efficiency. It’s very common in texting when you want to say you'll check something soon.

Don't use this if you are supposed to be paying close attention. If your boss asks if you studied the 50-page contract, don't say you gave it a quick glance. That sounds like you were lazy! Also, avoid it in romantic contexts if you want to sound deep. Telling your partner you gave them a quick glance sounds a bit cold. You want to 'gaze' or 'stare' instead. Don't use it for things that require focus, like driving or surgery.

In fast-paced cultures like the US or UK, time is money. Being able to understand something with just a quick glance is seen as a skill. It shows you are sharp and fast. However, it also relates to privacy. In many Western cultures, staring is rude. A quick glance is the polite way to look at a stranger without making them uncomfortable. It’s the 'socially acceptable' way to be curious.

You might hear people say brief look or quick peek. A peek usually implies you are looking at something you shouldn't see. Quick glance is more neutral. You might also hear glance over or flick through. These are similar but usually involve turning pages. If someone says they 'caught a glimpse', it means they saw something by accident. A quick glance is usually on purpose.