PhrasesHub

Have a dekko

    Definitions

      • to look at something
        To take a quick or casual look at something, usually out of curiosity or interest

      • to inspect or examine
        To carefully examine or inspect something, often to find out more about it or to make sure it is in good condition

    Examples of Have a dekko

    • Sarah asked her friend to have a dekko at her new apartment.

      Sarah asked her friend to take a quick look at her new apartment. The phrase "have a dekko" is a common Indian English idiom that means to take a quick look at something, usually in a casual and informal manner. In Sarah's case, she wanted her friend to see her new apartment without any fuss or obligation. Another example is:

    • The manager asked the sales team to have a dekko at the new product before presenting it to the board.

      The manager wanted the sales team to take a quick look at the new product before presenting it to the board. This allowed them to give their feedback and suggestions before the final presentation, improving the chances of success.

    • My cousin asked me to have a dekko at the old house before it was demolished.

      My cousin wanted me to take a quick look at the old house before it was knocked down. This allowed me to reminisce about my childhood memories in the house before it was completely destroyed.

    • The teacher asked the students to have a dekko at the historical monument during the field trip.

      The teacher wanted the students to take a quick look at the historical monument during the field trip. This allowed them to learn about the monument's significance and history in a short amount of time. The phrase "have a dekko" is commonly used in India and is a simple and effective way to ask someone to take a quick look at something. It is particularly useful in formal and informal settings alike, making it a versatile addition to any English speaker's vocabulary.

    • I would like you to have a dekko at our new product before we launch it in the market.

      In this example, 'have a dekko' is used to mean 'take a look' or 'inspect'. It is commonly used in Indian English. The speaker wants the listener to see the new product before it is sold to customers.

    • Let's have a dekko at the competition's product lineup.

      Here, 'have a dekko' is used in place of 'take a look at' or 'examine'. The speaker wants to explore the rival's product range to get an idea of what they have to offer.

    • Have a dekko at these images and tell me which one you prefer.

      In this example, 'have a dekko' is used as a synonym for 'examine' or 'view'. The speaker wants the listener to look at some pictures and decide which they find more attractive.

    • I suggest we have a dekko at our old inventory before we dispose it off.

      Here, 'have a dekko' is employed as a substitute for 'take a look at' or 'examine'. The speaker recommends checking the old stocks before disposing of them. It may help in finding any useful items that can be refurbished or sold at a lower price.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "have a dekko" can be used to simply mean taking a quick look at something, or to more carefully inspect or examine something. It is often used in a casual or informal context to refer to visually exploring an object or a situation.

    Origin of "Have a dekko"

    The origin of the idiom "have a dekko" can be traced back to British military slang in the early 20th century. The word "dekko" is believed to have been derived from the Hindi word "dekho," which means "to look." It is thought that British soldiers stationed in India during the colonial period picked up this word and incorporated it into their slang. Over time, it became a part of everyday language in the UK.

    The idiom "have a dekko" has since spread beyond British borders and is now commonly used in various English-speaking countries. Its origins in military slang give it a slightly informal and lighthearted connotation, making it a popular choice for casual conversations. Overall, the idiom has stood the test of time and continues to be used to convey the act of looking at something, whether casually or with more scrutiny.