look down on

Idioms  

1. Also, look down one's nose at. Regard with contempt or condescension, consider oneself superior to. For example, When it comes to baking, Beth is a purist—she looks down on anyone who uses a mix, or Seniors have a way of looking down their noses at juniors. The first expression dates from about 1700, the second from about 1900.

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Example Sentences

Look down on us and keep us all safe.

From Newsweek • Jul. 14, 2010

“You who saved my soul. One day. Look, sweet Jesus. Look down, on these your suffering children—” The church begged, “Look down, Lord.”

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Look down on a poor soul in worse than mortal peril; and in mercy pity those to whom she is dear!”

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Your ministers, soaring, May shun all the boring Of country and city baboon— Or, like ministers' spouses, Look down on both Houses— From the car of the air-balloon.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 369, May 9, 1829 by Various

The summer sky smiles soft above; Look down on me, thou star of love!

From Comic Tragedies Written by 'Jo' and 'Meg' and Acted by The 'Little Women' by Alcott, Louisa May