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.
-
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.
Conservationists have urged birders to look out for the youngsters, and report any sightings by emailing the RSPB's Montagu's hotline at [email protected].
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
On Wednesday, Shaw had not yet had an opportunity to review the book-policy complaint, but said both policies ultimately look out for children by safeguarding the rights of parents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
There are a couple of new VAR areas for fans to look out for - but not as many as at the World Cup.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
It also said parking charges would pay for two enforcement officers in North Berwick to look out for anyone parking illegally, which isn’t exactly what the town was hoping for.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
“It’s not? Then this Laughing Gas must be catching! Hi—whoa there, look out for the mantelpiece!”
From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers
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.
