look out for

Idioms  

1. See to the welfare of, as in Mary was assigned to look out for the youngsters on the playground . Similar to look after , this expression appears in such terms as look out for number one , meaning “see to one's own best interests,” as in Looking out for number one is Barbara's first priority . Versions of this expression, such as take care of number one , date from 1700.

2. Be careful of or watchful for something or someone, as in Look out for broken glass on the floor , or Look out for Mary—she'll be coming any minute . [Second half of 1600s] Also see look out .

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Example Sentences

Schnabel said the experience of 2022 has taught policymakers what to look out for as warning signs when they are assessing the impact of an energy shock, and they should be alert.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

An urgent public health alert was issued urging health workers to look out for signs of infection after 20 suspected cases were investigated by the UK Health Security Agency, including two people who had died.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

An alert could have been cascaded to local GPs to be on the look out for cases as well as other local hospitals.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Here's what to look out for in the coming days:

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

He gave her his solemn vow that he would look out for me.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan