case the joint

case the joint  {v. phr.},  {slang}
1. To study the layout of a place one wishes to burglarize.
The hooded criminals carefully cased the joint before robbing the neighborhood bank.
2. To familiarize oneself with a potential workplace or vacation spot as a matter of preliminary planning.
"Hello Fred," he said. "Are you working here now?" "No, not yet," Fred answered. "I am merely casing the joint."
Categories: study {slang} {v. phr.}