look out for
Idioms-
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.
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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 .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If you’re there for the regatta, look out for an appearance from the parish priest.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
But in such a crowded field of enthusiastic players, investors need to look out for signs of exuberance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026
“We have to look out for our future and our new generations, to be strong in realms other than weapons.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026
President Emmanuel Macron on X urged French people to "look out for others", especially the elderly, children and isolated or vulnerable people.
From Barron's ● Jun. 21, 2026
“Well, don’t, Delphine. I can look out for myself.”
From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
