on the lookout

Idioms  

1. Also, on the watch. Vigilant, alert, as in Be on the lookout for the twins—they're somewhere on this playground, or He was on the watch for her arrival. Both phrases were originally used with upon. Upon the lookout was originally nautical usage, meaning “on duty being watchful” (as for another ship, rocks, or land); it appeared in the mid-1700s, and on replaced upon about a century later. Upon the watch was first recorded in Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe (1719), and on the watch in Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility (1797).

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Example Sentences

"We're always on the lookout for young people to train, because nowadays, most have not shown any interest," said Parilla.

From Barron's

As Japan’s annual wage negotiations won’t happen until the spring, the governor has said he will be on the lookout for indications on how the talks—which set the tone for pay growth across the nation—will turn out as he determines the timing of the BOJ’s next move.

From The Wall Street Journal

Maybe there needs to be additional meetings and reminders for those running on sidewalks or crossing streets to be cautious and to reinforce following traffic rules while being on the lookout for distracted drivers.

From Los Angeles Times

Like Welch, Zaslav was always on the lookout for savings.

From The Wall Street Journal

One day, while on the lookout for colourful prints to make new dresses, she spotted some "amazing" fabrics being sold online.

From BBC

Related Words

• active
• bright
• careful
• intelligent
• observant
• perceptive
• sharp
• vigilant
• wary
• watchful
• wired
• wise