take a long, hard look at (something)

take a long, hard look at (something)

To examine something very closely and thoroughly. After the data breach, the company is going to have to take a long hard look at their security measures. If you think that kind of behavior is OK, you need to take a long hard look at your ethics.

See also: hard, look, take

take a long (cool/hard) ˈlook at something

think about a problem or possibility very carefully: After taking a long hard look at the cost of employing an extra person, we decided against it. ♢ We need to take a long look at the plan before we make a decision.

See also: long, look, something, take