Crossword Genius

Formerly needing more than a quick appraisal (4-4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

once-over

'a quick appraisal' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'formerly needing more than' is the wordplay.
'formerly' becomes 'once' ('once' can be a synonym of 'formerly').
'needing' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'more than' becomes 'over' (I've seen this before).
'once'+'over'='ONCE-OVER'

(Other definitions for once-over that I've seen before include "Brief check" , "Rapid inspection" , "Quick survey" , "Appraising glance" , "Quick examination" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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