look sharp

Idioms  

1. Get moving, be alert, as in The coach told the team they would have to look sharp if they wanted to win. This colloquial expression, dating from the early 1700s, originally meant “to keep a strict watch” but acquired its present sense in the early 1800s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

look sharp

"They look a really dangerous team, they look fit, they look sharp, they look hungry," ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said on BBC Match of the Day following the USA's excellent first-half performance.

From BBC ● Jun. 13, 2026

In fact, it specializes in “mid,” or “gourmet cheeseburger,” TV, shows that look sharp, have a great cast, a killer setup…yet still leave you wanting just a bit more.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 30, 2025

"By doing this, as the analysis in the paper predicts, it generates 3D shapes that look sharp and realistic," he says.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 4, 2024

Ortiz has enough punching power to end any heavyweight’s night abruptly, but the Cuban didn’t look sharp in his most recent victory over former champ Charles Martin last New Year’s Day.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 3, 2022

The dealer looked at me, then at Mom, who returned his mildly suspicious glance with a look sharp enough to cut diamonds followed by a smile more brilliant that any gem.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

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