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

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

Despite, say, the weight of garments covered entirely in crystals, Whitten ensured performers would look sharp on stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 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

It pains me to say it but they look sharp, they look strong and they score lots of goals.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

Now it looked like he was growing, and his scales were pushing outward, making his shape look sharp and dangerous.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young