see through

Verb

see through (third-person singular simple present sees through, present participle seeing through, simple past saw through, past participle seen through)

1. (transitive) To perceive visually through something transparent.
   • Their fabric is so thin that I can see through these curtains.
   • We saw through the water with ease; it was as clear as glass.
2. (idiomatic, transitive) To 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.
   • I can see through his poker face. He isn't fooling anyone.

   Synonyms:

   tumble (to sth)

3. (idiomatic, transitive) To 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. (idiomatic, transitive) To 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.
   • Forever and ever, yeah / I'll see you through it1973, Barry White, “Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up”
5. (idiomatic, transitive) To 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.
   • 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
6. (ditransitive, idiomatic) To constitute ample supply for one for.
   • Those chocolates should see us through the holiday season.
   • 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