case out
C1 slang separable transitive
In simple words
To sneak around a place and look at it carefully before doing something, like a thief checking a bank before robbing it.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
slang
To observe a location carefully and secretly, especially to plan a crime or clandestine activity.
"The thieves spent a week casing out the museum before they attempted the robbery."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
(informal, humorous) To look around a place before deciding whether to use it or go there.
"Let's case out the new restaurant before we make a reservation for Mom's birthday."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily North American slang. Often implies criminal planning but is also used humorously. Less common than the related expression 'case the joint.'
Commonly used with
place building area neighborhood venue target
Forms
Base
case out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cases out
he/she/it
Past simple
cased out
yesterday
Past participle
cased out
have + pp
-ing form
casing out
continuous
Understand "case out" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "case out" on Looplines