see through

present singular third person sees through · participle present seeing through · past saw through · participle past seen through

1. transitiveTo perceive visually through something transparent.

   We saw through the water with ease; it was as clear as glass.

   1 more example

   Their fabric is so thin that I can see through these curtains.

2. idiomatictransitiveTo not be deceived by something that is false or misleading; to understand the hidden truth about someone or something.

   I'm surprised she doesn't see through his lies.

   3 more examples

   I can see through his poker face. He isn't fooling anyone.

   He was a very scared individual and to cover up his fright he would tell outlandish tales to make himself appear "better" and "bigger" in front of the other convicts. I saw through this and convinced him to just be himself with me and I would like him and respect him more.

   1987 February 1, Jeffrey L. Say, “Drop Him A Line”, in Gay Community News, volume 14, number 28, page 4

   Now, when you awfulize you go beyond that and tell yourself, instead “It's horrible, awful and terrible!” You then mean several things, all of which are clearly unprovable and which any self-respecting Martian with an IQ of 100 could easily see through.

   2010, Michael E. Bernard, Rationality and the Pursuit of Happiness: The Legacy of Albert Ellis

   Synonyms: tumble (to sth)

3. idiomatictransitiveTo recognize someone's true motives or character.

   In that moment, I finally saw through her; this petition drive had nothing to do with her love for animals, and everything to do with impressing Michael, the cute intern.

4. idiomatictransitiveTo provide support or cooperation to (a person) throughout a period of time; to support someone through a difficult time.

   And may we all, citizens the world over, see these events through.

   2 more examples

   Forever and ever, yeah / I'll see you through it

   1973, Barry White, “Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up”

   The glory of love might see you through

   1976, Lou Reed, “Coney Island Baby”

5. idiomatictransitiveTo do something until it is finished; to continue working on (something) until it is finished.

   Despite her health problems, Madame Prime Minister saw the project through.

   1 more example

   But if the Government really wants our railway to reduce the level of its subsidy and improve value for taxpayers' money, then it must provide the political air cover to enable managers to get on and make the hard decisions that are needed... and then see them through.

   2022 January 12, Sir Michael Holden, “Reform of the workforce or death by a thousand cuts?”, in RAIL, number 948, page 25

   Synonyms: see out

6. ditransitiveidiomaticTo constitute ample supply for one for.

   Those chocolates should see us through the holiday season.

   1 more example

   I chop the basil and mix it with garlic, cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil until it becomes the pesto sauce my children love so much. […] We even freeze at least a dozen containers at the end of summer to see us through the long basilless winter.

   2012, Mary DeTurris Poust, “The Work of Your Hands”, in Everyday Divine: A Catholic Guide to Active Spirituality, Indianapolis, Ind.: Alpha Books, →ISBN