look1 verblook2 noun
looklook1 /lʊk/ ●●● S1 W1 verb 
WORD ORIGINlook1
Origin:
Old English locianVERB TABLE
look
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | look |
| he, she, it | looks | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | looked |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have looked |
| he, she, it | has looked | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had looked |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will look |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have looked |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am looking |
| he, she, it | is looking | |
| you, we, they | are looking | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was looking |
| you, we, they | were looking | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been looking |
| he, she, it | has been looking | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been looking |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be looking |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been looking |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Come on, it's time to go," he said, looking at his watch.
- "You were a hippie?" she asked, looking at her father in disbelief.
- Look at me when I'm talking to you.
- Look, I'm very serious about this.
- Look, there are some swans on the river.
- Did you look under the bed?
- Do these jeans make me look fat?
- Doesn't she look beautiful!
- I'm glad you've shaved off that beard. It makes you look ten years younger!
- I've looked everywhere, but I can't find my gloves.
- I always look through the peephole before I open the door for anyone.
- If you look closely, you can see ducks at the edge of the lake.
- It looks as if we are going to need more help.
- She's really pretty - she looks like a model.
- That book looks interesting.
- That coat looks nice and warm. Where did you get it?
- The burglar was holding what looked like a shotgun.
- The cake didn't look very good, but it tasted all right.
- The teacher stopped and looked around to see if there were any questions.
- Tom looked out the window over the dry, barren landscape.
- He sent one of his aides to California to ask Wilson to be chairman of the committee and to look him over.
- He took his seat in coach, and after an hour or so began to look for them.
- He was also looking for ways to satisfy the recurrent Treasury demands for economy.
- It looks dumb now, and it will look a lot dumber later.
- New buildings look good, but often money is better spent on people.
- Now some of them look unkempt, neglected, despite the fine new houses and gardens which are springing up.
- The permed young man and the woman in red exchanged glances, both looking quite abashed.
- When she looked back at the road, the red saloon was coming towards her.
THESAURUS
to turn your eyes towards someone or something, so that you can see them: · You should never look directly at the sun.· After a while, he turned and looked at me.
especially spoken to look at something quickly, especially in order to find or check something: · I’ll have a look in my desk.· Take a look at this!
to look at someone or something for a short time and then look quickly away: · Damien glanced nervously at his watch.
(also take a peek/peep) to look quickly at something – used especially when you are not supposed to look, or when you are looking through a small gap: · The door was open so he peeked inside.· Katy peeped at her birthday present on the table.
to look very carefully, especially because you cannot see well: · Kenji was peering at the screen.
to look at someone in an angry way: · She glared at me as I got up to leave.
to look at someone or something for a long time without moving your eyes: · It’s rude to stare.· She stared straight into the camera.
to look at someone or something for a long time, often without realizing that you are doing it: · She gazed out of the window.· He lay on his bed gazing at the ceiling.
to look at someone or something for a long time, usually with your mouth open, because you are very shocked or surprised: · People gaped at him with wide-open mouths.
formal to look at someone or something, especially in a particular way: · He regarded her steadily.
Longman Language Activatorto look at somebody or something to turn your eyes towards something so that you can see it: · Look, there are some swans on the river.look at: · "Come on, it's time to go," he said, looking at his watch.· Look at me when I'm talking to you.look into/out of/through/down etc: · Tom looked out the window over the dry, barren landscape.· I always look through the peephole before I open the door for anyone.· The teacher stopped and looked around to see if there were any questions.look at somebody/something in amazement/disbelief/surprise etc (=in a way that shows you are surprised or shocked): · "You were a hippie?" she asked, looking at her father in disbelief.
especially spoken to look at something, especially something interesting or unusual: · "I think there's something wrong with the car." "Do you want me to have a look?"take a look/have a look at: · We climbed to the top of the tower to have a look at the view.· "You'd better take a look at this," she said, passing me a letter.take/have a good look (=look very carefully): · Take a good look at the pictures and tell me if anyone looks familiar.take/have a close look (=look at something very closely): · He moved to the front of the crowd to have a closer look at the animal.
to quickly look at the details of someone or something, especially before you officially agree to buy it, use it etc: look over somebody/something: · We looked over several apartments before finally choosing this one.· If you want, I can look over your English homework for you.look somebody/something etc over: · Would you care to look the document over before you sign?· Jessica hated the way the men in the bar looked her over.
to look at someone or something extremely carefully, especially because you want to find its faults or mistakes: · When the police examined the gun, they found Wright's fingerprints on it.· A team of investigators is examining the crash site.examine something closely (=to examine very carefully): · Before buying an antique, examine it closely to avoid buying a fake.examine somebody/something for something: · The video shows women how to examine their breasts for cancer.
walk around a place in order to look at it, especially so that you can decide what your opinion about it is: view a house/garden/exhibition etc: · A few journalists were allowed to view the art exhibition the day before it opened.· I'd like to make an appointment to view the house on Clement Street that's for sale.
to look at something and think how beautiful or impressive it is: · I was just admiring your lovely garden.· We stopped at the top of the mountain to admire the view.
to look for a long time to look directly at someone or something for a long time, without moving your eyes: · It's not polite to stare, you know.stare at: · Why are you staring at me like that?· She stared at the page for several minutes, trying to understand.· Ron kept silent and stared down at his food.stare into/out of etc: · When he's depressed, he just sits there, staring off into space.stare back (at somebody) (=stare at someone who is staring at you): · Everyone turned to look at him, and he stared stonily back.stare (at somebody/something) in amazement/horror/disbelief etc (=in a way that shows you are surprised or shocked): · Donna stared in horror as the man fell to the floor.stare somebody down (=stare at someone until they stop staring at you): · Fenton stood tall and stared down the gunmen.
to look at something or someone for a long time, especially with a feeling of love or great pleasure - used especially in stories and literature: gaze at: · I lay back on the sand and gazed at the stars above.· Ruth gazed down at the sleeping child.gaze out/into/through etc: · He stopped talking suddenly and gazed into the distance.· She sat gazing out the windows at the people walking by.
to look at someone or something for a long time, especially with your mouth open, because you are very surprised or shocked: · People stopped to gape as she walked down the street in a see-through mini-dress.gape at: · She stood there gaping at me, too shocked to speak.gape in amazement/horror etc: · I could only gape in astonishment as I saw the man take the bottle from the shelf and put it under his coat.
also gawp British to look at someone in a rude or annoying way, for example because they look unusual or are doing something unusual: · Tourists walked around gawking at the people in traditional costumes.· I wanted to kill the morons who had gathered around me, gawping and pointing.
to look at someone or something with interest or because you do not trust them: · Mavis eyed the old sewing machine. "Does this still work?" she asked.· The two teams eyed each other warily, waiting for the game to begin.
to look very carefully at someone's body and the clothes they are wearing, especially because you do not know them and you are trying to form an opinion of them: · The hotel manager slowly looked the old man up and down and then asked him to leave.· "Don't be silly - you don't need to lose weight," he said, looking her up and down.
to look quickly to look quickly at someone or something and then look away again: glance at: · Dr Morse kept glancing nervously at his watch.· "Some of you may not be happy about what I have to say," he began, glancing at Janey.glance into/down/through etc: · Glancing into Neil's room, she noticed that his suitcase was packed.
to look at something quickly in order to check that everything is satisfactory: take a quick look/have a quick look at/around/through etc: · He took a quick look in the mirror, and went out of the house.· She had a quick look around the room before letting the guests in.
to look at something quickly and secretly, especially from a place where you cannot be seen: · When I heard the noise in the next room, I couldn't resist having a peek.peek/take a peek at: · The little girl peeked at me from behind her grandmother's skirt.peek/take a peek in/into/through/over etc: · We tip-toed into the room and peeked in the crib without waking the baby.· She opened the door and took a quick peek inside.
especially British to look at something quickly and secretly, especially from a place where you cannot be seen: peep through/into/round: · Bobby peeped around the corner to see if anyone was coming.· We peeped through a crack in the fence and saw Mrs Finley talking to a strange-looking man.
to look quickly at someone or something that you have not seen before, and immediately decide what your opinion of them is: · They opened the door to the room, took one look, and decided to go to another hotel.take one look at: · She took one look at me and said she would not work with me.· The teacher took one look at his homework and told him he would have to redo it.
to look angrily to look angrily at someone: · He sat there in silence, glaring angrily.glare at: · "You can go if you want, but I'm staying," Denise said glaring at him.glare toward/across/around etc: · Claude put down his fork and glared across the table.
especially British to look at someone very angrily, as if you would like to hurt them: · When I asked him what he'd done with the money he just looked daggers at me and refused to speak.· Julie must have heard you talking about her, because she was looking daggers at you from the next table.
also give somebody a black/filthy look British to quickly look at someone angrily to show that you are angry with them, especially in a situation when you cannot tell them that you are angry: · I don't know what I did to upset her, but she gave me a really filthy look when I walked into the meeting.· My aunt's friends always used to give me dirty looks when I brought my kids over, because they knew I wasn't married.
to look at someone in an angry way, or make an angry, unhappy expression with your face: · Jane scowled and told them to get out.· "What do you want?" said the old man, scowling.scowl at: · What are you scowling at me for? You asked me to wake you up.
to look at someone or something with an annoyed, confused, or disapproving expression on your face: · The teacher frowned at him and asked him to sit down.· When I got back to the table, Carolyn was frowning at the check.· "Sibling rivalry?" she asked, frowning at his use of psychological terms.
use this when you are telling someone how another person looked at you in a very angry way, and you found this funny or frightening: · You should've seen her face when she realized what I'd done - if looks could kill!
to look hard and with difficulty to look hard at something that you find difficult to see, and make your eyes narrower to try and see better: · Bring your glasses or you'll have to squint through the whole movie.squint at: · She squinted at the sign but couldn't read what it said.squint through/over/into etc: · Driving down the narrow country road, Blackthorne squinted into the darkness.
to look with difficulty at someone or something, especially because you cannot see very well or there is not enough light: peer through/into/out etc: · Roger peered into the dark corridor to see what was making the noise.peer at: · She adjusted her glasses and peered at the man.
informal to try to make it easier to see something by almost closing your eyes, especially because the light is too bright or because what you are looking at is very small: · You have to screw up your eyes to see the figure in the bottom left of the picture.
to look at a lot of things you might buy, read, etc to walk around a shop or market or a place where tourists go, looking at a lot of different things: · I just want to take a quick look around and see if there's anything I want.· He makes a list of what he needs and then walks into the store and buys it, without looking around at all.· You're welcome to have a look around. We have a wide range of sportswear.
to spend time looking at things in a shop, especially books or records, without intending to buy anything: · Armando spent the afternoon browsing in Camden market.browse through: · He found Jill in the gallery shop silently browsing through some books.
the activity of looking at goods in shop windows without intending to buy anything: · We didn't have any money but we enjoyed window-shopping in Fifth Avenue.go window-shopping: · Sometimes I go window-shopping after work.
spoken say this to tell someone who works in a shop that you are only looking at things, and you do not intend to buy anything just now: · "Can I help you?" "No thanks, I'm just looking."
to look at someone in a way that shows you are sexually interested in them to look and smile at someone in a way that shows a strong sexual interest, especially so that people feel a little frightened, embarrassed, or offended: · "Hey, baby. Do you like what you see?" he said, leering.leer at: · The old man leered suggestively at the waitress.· Stopping his work for a second, the garage attendant leered at the girls in the car.
to look at someone in an offensive way that shows you are sexually attracted to their body: · A group of men were ogling her from a bench across the street.· The beach was full of teenage boys who had come to ogle the girls in bikinis.
British informal to look at someone in a way that shows that you are sexually interested in them: eye somebody up/eye up somebody: · I'm not sure if he's eyeing me up or just staring at me.· Those two have been eyeing each other up all evening.
to make it clear to someone that you are sexually attracted to them by looking at them in a way that gets their attention: · Did you see those two making eyes at each other across the table?
to stop looking at someone or something to turn your eyes away from something that you were looking at: · The accident scene was so horrible that I had to look away.· The minute he looked away, I crumpled the piece of paper and shoved it in my coat pocket.look away from: · She looked away from him, unable to tell him the truth
to stop looking at something and turn your face upwards, in order to see someone or talk to them: · There was a loud bang outside the classroom, and we all looked up.look up from: · "Goodbye, then," she said, without even looking up from her book.
also look round British to turn your eyes away from what you were looking at and start to look at what is around you: · Alan put down his newspaper and looked around, "What was that noise?"· The speaker finished her speech and looked round to see if there were any questions.
to stop looking at someone or something by turning your face in another direction, especially because you are embarrassed or upset: · He burped loudly, and she turned her face away in disgust.turn your face away from: · Turning his face away from her, Glen began to cry.
formal to deliberately turn your eyes away from what you are looking at, because you do not want to look at it any longer: · The two averted their eyes as they passed each other in the hall.· When Celia dropped her robe, Richard averted his gaze and stepped back awkwardly.
the way someone or something looks · A layer of sand will give a natural appearance to the bottom of the aquarium.somebody's/something's appearance · I wish she'd do something about her appearance - she's always such a mess.· Concentrate on the content of your essay, not its appearance.appearance of · The military activity was in stark contrast to the peaceful appearance of the islands.have the appearance of somebody/something (=look similar to someone or something) · The waitress, although she was only about 40, had the appearance of a very old woman.in appearance · The mushrooms are similar in appearance to poisonous one, so you have to be careful.judge by appearances (=make decisions based on how someone or something looks) · Judging by appearances, things are back to normal.
someone's appearance, especially when considering how good-looking they are. Looks is less formal than appearance: somebody's looks: · Girls of that age are always worried about their looks.· Emily had refused to marry him on account of his looks.good looks (=a good-looking appearance): · People generally describe him as having boyish good looks.keep/lose your (good) looks (=remain or stop being good-looking): · She was 20 years older now, but had managed to keep her looks.
the appearance of something, especially an appearance that has been deliberately planned or made: look of: · The text is fine but the look of the page is all wrong.have the look of (=look similar to someone or something): · Sapporo, Japan, has the look of a Wisconsin city in winter.by/from the look of something (=judging by its appearance): · From the look of it, I'd say the chair was about 100 years old, maybe 150.the Bohemian/Versace/1960s etc look: · Her long straight hair and dark eye make-up give her a sort of late-'60s look.
the appearance and character that someone deliberately tries to produce by dressing or behaving in a particular way: · I like her new image - it's a lot more dignified.· He doesn't really need those glasses - they're just part of his "intellectual" image.image of: · Since I started working in this company, I have tried to maintain the image of a winner.image as: · The scandal has badly hurt her image as an honest politician.
to have a particular appearance · Doesn't she look beautiful!· That coat looks nice and warm. Where did you get it?· The cake didn't look very good, but it tasted all right.· With his dark hair and dark eyes he looked Italian.· I'm glad you've shaved off that beard. It makes you look ten years younger!
to have an appearance that is similar to someone or something else: · She looks a bit like my sister.· They just look like ordinary people to me.· In the moonlight the plane looked like a huge eagle soaring across the sky.
to admire someone to have a very good opinion of someone, either because they have achieved something special or because they have skills or qualities that you would like to have: · Corbin is a superb musician. I really admire him.· I admire the way Sarah has brought up the children on her own.· What I admire most about Lee is his patience.admire somebody for something: · People admired her for her beauty and intelligence.· Rollins is most admired for her poetry, but she also writes fiction.be greatly/much admired: · Morrow's new production of 'The Nutcracker' has been greatly admired.
to have a good opinion of someone, even if you do not agree with them or want to be like them, because they have high standards and good personal qualities: · He's a very strict teacher, but the students respect him.· Logan, a long-serving Congressman, was both feared and respected by his political opponents.respect somebody for something: · She always told me exactly what she thought, and I respected her for that.
to respect and admire someone who is older than you or who has authority over you: · I've always looked up to my older brother, Jerry.· The children need someone they can look up to.
if someone is highly regarded or respected, they are admired very much because they are very good at what they do: · a highly respected surgeonhighly regarded/respected by: · Dr. Franklin was highly regarded by his colleagues at Syracuse University.
to admire someone very much, especially because they do their job very well and always work hard: · Most of the students and staff think very highly of Dr. Smith.be highly thought of: · Sally is an excellent administrator. She is highly thought of here.
also hold somebody in high regard/esteem formal to admire a person or their abilities very much, especially because they have special skills or very high standards in their work: · Film critics continue to hold Bergman in high esteem.have a high opinion of somebody as something: · Croft had a high opinion of Marx as a political thinker.
to admire someone and the work that they do, especially a leader, writer, artist etc: · I've always been an admirer of Potter's work, and was very sad to hear of her death.be a great/real admirer of somebody: · My tutor was a great admirer of Shakespeare, and often quoted him.
ashamed someone who is ashamed feels very sorry about something they have done or embarrassed by something relating to them, so that they think people may no longer respect them: · I didn't want anyone to know I'd been fired because I felt ashamed.ashamed of: · She was so ashamed of cheating on the test that she went and told the teacher.· For a long time I was ashamed of my father and the fact he never finished school.ashamed about: · There's nothing to be ashamed about - lots of people have money problems.ashamed (that): · I realize now that you were telling the truth, and I'm ashamed that I didn't believe you.ashamed to do something: · She really needed me but - I'm ashamed to admit it - I didn't help her.ashamed of yourself: · You ought to be ashamed of yourself - coming home drunk like that!bitterly/deeply ashamed: · The knowledge that I had caused him to lose his job made me bitterly ashamed.
feeling very ashamed and upset, especially because you have been made to look weak or stupid and you think that no one will respect you: · Ross yelled at me in front of the whole office - I've never been so humiliated in my life!· Many women who have been assaulted feel too frightened and humiliated to report their ordeal.
to be so ashamed about something you have done to someone that you find it difficult to be with them or talk to them: · I'm so embarrassed - I'll never be able to look her in the face again.· After the layoffs were announced, I couldn't look any of the people on the shop floor in the face.
showing in the expression on your face that you are ashamed about something and you know you have behaved badly: · He came to my office, shamefaced, to apologize.· A shamefaced spokesperson admitted that mistakes had been made.
to look ashamed: · He bowed his head in shame as the details of his arrest were read out in court.
spoken use this to tell someone that they should feel shame because of something they have done: · Shame on you for lying to your grandmother!
what you say when warning someone to be careful spoken: careful!/be careful! · There's ice on the roads tonight so be careful.· Careful! That's hot.be careful with · Hey! Careful with that cigarette!be careful with something · You be careful with that knife. be careful (not) to do something · Be careful not to get any of that bleach on your clothes.be careful(that) you do something · You'll have to be careful you don't lose your balance.be careful what/where/how etc · The whole interview will be recorded so you'd better be careful what you say.
spoken say this to warn someone to be careful, especially when you think they may not realize there are dangers or risks: · Take care. That gun's loaded.· Take care when you open the van door, sometimes it springs open suddenly.take care (not) to do something: · Take care not to leave any money in the changing rooms.
spoken say this to warn someone that they are going to have an accident and they must do something quickly to avoid it: · Watch out - you're going to spill paint over my new carpet!· Look out, Phil - there's a car coming!
spoken say this when someone has just done something dangerous, and you want to tell them to be careful: · Watch it! You nearly knocked my head off with that stick!
British spoken say this when you want someone to move to one side to avoid possible danger: · Mind out -- there's a snowball coming towards you!
everywhere in a place or country also every place American informal in or to every part of a place or country: · The whole street was flooded - there was water everywhere.· Where did you find my keys? I've been looking everywhere for them.· You see bank machines everywhere nowadays.· They go every place together.everywhere in: · There were beautiful rice fields everywhere in the region.everywhere else (=in every other place): · Doctors in Colorado, like doctors everywhere else, did not have enough of the vaccine.
in or to many different parts of a town, country etc, especially when you want to say that you have been to many places: · We spent two weeks in Mexico and traveled all over.· The choir has sung in concerts all over the country.· Katie's toys were spread out all over the floor.all over the place: · He went all over the place looking for a shop selling corkscrews but couldn't find one.
in every part of an area or place: · You could hear their laughter throughout the building.· The house is in excellent condition with fitted carpets throughout.
if you find a particular thing wherever you go or look , you find it in all the different places that you go to or look in: · There seem to be fountains wherever you look in this park.· He seems to make friends wherever he goes.
informal in many different places, without any particular plan or pattern: · We lived here, there, and everywhere as I was growing up.· The adults sat on the porch while the children ran here, there, and everywhere.
in every part of a country: nationwide strike/demonstration/campaign: · Workers held nationwide strikes and demonstrations all over Spain.nationwide search/hunt/study/survey: · A nationwide hunt was launched yesterday for the killer of 13-year-old Nicola Jones.
happening in many places - use this especially about problems or bad situations that affect many areas or many countries: · There has been widepread flooding in Germany, and the rivers are still rising.· Government corruption is widespread in the country.
to examine something to look at something carefully and thoroughly because you want to find out more about it: · Experts who examined the painting believe it is genuine.· Her new book examines the causes of social discontent.· A team of divers was sent down to examine the wreckage.examine something for something (=in order to find something): · The police will examine the weapon for fingerprints.
to look carefully at something in order to see small details: · If you look carefully, you can see the artist's name in the corner of the picture.look carefully/closely at: · I had to look closely at the two fish to tell them apart.
especially spoken to look carefully at something in order to find out what is wrong with it or to find out something about it: · "You'd better take a look at this," she said, passing me a letter.· I've asked Ken to have a look at the car - it's been making strange noises.take/have a good look at something (=look very carefully and thoroughly): · Take a good look at the photograph and see if you recognize anyone
also analyse British to examine something closely and in detail, especially a problem or a piece of information, in order to understand it: · Scientists use computers to help analyse the data.· One of the problems in analyzing the situation is that we do not have all the information yet.
to spend a lot of time examining something very carefully, for example a document, a plan, or a problem: · I won't comment till I've had time to study the proposals.· A team of scientists has been studying the effects of acid rain over a twenty-year period.
to look at something carefully and thoroughly to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly: · Their passports were checked by immigration officers at the airport.check something for something (=in order to find something): · We need to check the building for structural damage.
to quickly examine every part of something to make sure that it is correct or safe: check over something: · The editor always checks over what I've written.check something over: · I'm going to take the car in and ask the mechanic to check it over before we go on vacation.
to look at something carefully and thoroughly to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly, especially when it is your job to do this: · The building is regularly inspected by a fire-safety officer.· Russian and American teams will have the right to inspect each other's missile sites.· Some insurance people have already been here to inspect the damage caused by the storm.inspect something for something (=in order to find something): · All trucks coming through are inspected for mechanical violations.
to examine something such as a document or plan thoroughly from beginning to end, especially in order to check that it is correct: · I'd like to go over last month's accounts with you.· You should still go through the contract with a lawyer before you sign.
to look at every part of something in order to see if it is satisfactory, but fairly quickly and without paying much attention to detail: look over something: · I've looked over all the records and they seem okay.look something over: · The book is expensive, so look it over to make sure it's what you really want.
also scrutinise British to examine something very closely and carefully in order to find out whether there is anything wrong, especially because it is your official duty to do this: · The coach's assistants stood along the field and scrutinized every move we made.· The Federal Trade Commission is scrutinizing the proposed merger of the two companies.
feeling excited about something feeling happy and full of energy, especially about something good that has happened or is going to happen: · Steve's coming home tomorrow - we're all really excited.· crowds of excited football fansexcited about: · How can you be so excited about a stupid computer game?get excited: · When Mattie gets excited, she starts talking really fast.excited by: · Doctors are very excited by the discovery.excited to do something: · When we get home, the dogs are always excited to see us.
to feel excited about something good that is going to happen and to think about it a lot: · The kids are looking forward to their vacation - they've never been to California before.look forward to doing something: · She's really looking forward to meeting him.
spoken if you can't wait for something to happen, you want it to happen soon because you are very excited about it: · "We'll see you next week." "I know - I can't wait!"can't wait for: · The kids can't wait for Christmas.can't wait to do something: · He couldn't wait to get home and tell Dean the news.can't wait for somebody/something to do something: · I can't wait for the football season to start.
very excited , happy, and pleased: thrilled to do something: · I'm thrilled to be here tonight.thrilled with: · Chester's absolutely thrilled with his baby daughter.thrilled at/by: · She was thrilled at the idea of flying to Europe.thrilled to bitsBritish spoken thrilled to death/pieces American spoken (=very thrilled): · Paul is thrilled to death that I'm finally learning to cook.
feeling very excited and full of energy because you are experiencing something that you have never experienced before, especially something dangerous or unusual: · The first time I flew a plane alone, I felt both exhilarated and scared.exhilarated by: · She felt exhilarated by her new sense of power.
American informal to be excited and full of energy, especially when this makes you ready to compete or play sport: · After the coach's pep talk, we were all really pumped and ready to play.get somebody pumped (up) (=make some excited and full of energy): · Nothing gets the crowd or the players pumped up more than a good slam dunk.
if a place is buzzing with excitement , people are very excited, especially because something is about to happen: · The crowd was buzzing as everyone waited for the band to come on stage.· The new stadium has sports fans buzzing with excitement.
to be excited and slightly nervous when you are watching something because you do not know what will happen next: · I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning of the movie to the end.keep somebody on the edge of their seat (=make someone very excited because they do not know what will happen next): · The final ten minutes of the game kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
to be nervous and excited because you are anxiously waiting to hear the result of something, or to know what happens at the end of a story: · After the interview Fran was on tenterhooks, wondering if she'd got the job.keep somebody on tenterhooks (=make someone feel nervous and excited by not telling them something): · Agatha Christie keeps the reader on tenterhooks until the final pages of the story.
if the feeling among a large group of people is at or reaches fever pitch , they are all extremely excited: · The anticipation surrounding the band's arrival is now at fever pitch.
to try and find out about an accident, crime etc to try to find out the truth about a crime, an accident, or a problem, especially by using careful and thorough methods: · Police are investigating an explosion at the city store.· We sent our reporter, Michael Gore, to investigate.· The commission will investigate the cause of the accident, focusing especially on safety issues.
especially British to ask people questions about a person, crime, accident etc in order to find out information about it: · A reporter who tried to make inquiries was arrested.make inquiries/enquiries into/about: · Police are making inquiries into the theft of a quantity of explosives.· He had made a few inquiries and learnt that she inherited the money from her father.
to try to find out the facts of a situation in order to explain why it happened: · "How did Blake manage to escape?" "That's something that we will have to go into."· The headteacher promised the parents that he would be going into the matter of bullying very thoroughly.
to carefully and thoroughly try to find out all the facts about a situation, especially when someone wants to keep these a secret: · The Secretary of State is probing claims of election fraud.probe for: · Reporters began probing for more information.probe into: · The press have been criticised for probing too deeply into the actor's private life.
if someone in an official position looks into a problem or bad situation, they try to find out more about it so that the situation can be improved: · The manager promised to look into my complaint.· Police are looking into the possibility that the bomb warning was a hoax.· Callahan hired me to look into the accident.
if someone solves a crime or a mystery, they get all the information they need so that they can explain exactly what happened: · Detectives are trying to solve the murder of a young girl.· Officials hope the Navy will solve the mystery of four bombs that are missing from the wreckage of a military jet.
if a person, organization etc is under investigation, the police are trying to find out if they are involved in a crime or illegal activity: · A health club is currently under investigation by Boston detectives.· Several of the company's executives are under investigation.
to rudely pretend not to notice someone · Don't ignore me when I'm talking to you!· Now that she had lost all her wealth, she was ignored by former friends.totally/completely ignore somebody · The waiter totally ignored Glen and served a girl who had come up beside him.
· Henry waved but Martha pretended not to notice.· If people think you're a beggar, they pretend not to see you.
to pretend not to notice someone that you know, even though you are looking directly at them: · I saw Carrie yesterday, but when I smiled at her she just looked right through me.· In the lift at work, the doctors looked right through you as if you didn't exist.
to ignore someone deliberately, in order to show that you are angry with them or that you have no respect for them: · I couldn't believe Simon had snubbed me at the party.· The senator was furious. "How would you feel if you'd been snubbed by the wife of your president?''snub somebody's invitation/request etc: · They snubbed his invitation to a meeting of foreign ministers at the UN in New York.
to completely ignore someone when you see them, especially because you are angry with them: · I saw Josie today - she must still be angry with me because she cut me dead.· Where he used to cut them dead, he now helps them on with their coats.
informal if someone blanks you, they pretend not to notice you even though your eyes are facing theirs: · I said hello to her in the street, but she just blanked me and carried on walking.
British if a group of people send someone to Coventry , they all agree they will not talk to that person as a punishment: · Unfairly sent to Coventry for two weeks, Hannah decided to run away from school.
ill especially British suffering from bad health or not feeling well: · Mel was so ill that she had to stay in bed for a month.seriously ill (=very ill): · Apparently Don's wife is seriously ill, and they think it might be cancer.critically ill (=extremely ill): · The baby caught a virus and became critically ill.terminally ill (=so ill that you are going to die): · psychological support for terminally ill patientsmentally ill (=suffering from a mental illness): · Mentally ill patients have the same rights as anyone else.lie ill (=be ill in bed): · All that week, Catherine lay ill, drifting in and out of consciousness.
especially American ill: · Where's Mary today? I hope she's not sick again.· Sheila spent months looking after her sick mother.be off sick (=not at work or school because of illness): · Gary phoned to say that he's off sick today.be off work sick/be in bed sick: · I'm sorry I didn't reply to your e-mail. I was in bed sick for a couple of days.sick with the flu/a virus etc (=ill as a result of flu etc): · Grant Hill played despite being sick with the flu for the past ten days.be sick with worry/fear/exhaustion etc (=so worried etc that you feel sick): · We were dirty, hungry, cold and sick with exhaustion.
especially spoken to be ill, but not seriously ill: · Sarah's not very well - she's got a throat infection.· Jed's Mum says he's not well, so he's staying at home today.
formal ill: · Mrs Hedges is unwell today, so her class will be taken by Mr Collier.· Tom had been unwell for some time but had refused to see a doctor.
British informal ill: · Dad was always out, Mum was often poorly, and I had to look after the rest of the kids.· "I'm afraid your grandmother's very poorly," the nurse on duty said.
informal to be very ill, especially as a result of a serious injury or disease: · You'd better get an ambulance - she's in a pretty bad way.· Martin came back from Africa with malaria, and he was in a pretty bad way for months.
British /death warmed over American spoken to look ill and pale, especially because you did not get enough sleep or are suffering for the effects of too much alcohol: · Kate didn't sleep a wink last night. She looks like death warmed up.· Boy, you look like death warmed over this morning!
to look very much like another person or thing also look/be exactly like · That vase is just like one that I used to have.· He looks exactly like Clint Eastwood, except he's slightly taller.
also be the (living) image of British informal to look almost exactly the same as someone else: · Everyone always said my aunt was the spitting image of Ingrid Bergman.· With that beautiful black hair, she is the living image of her mother.
if you could pass for or be mistaken for another person, you look so much like them that people might think you were the other person: · You could easily pass for your sister - you look just like her.· With her hair cut short, she could easily have been mistaken for a boy.
to be like your mother, father, grandfather etc to have a very similar character to your mother, father, grandfather etc: · You're like your grandmother -- obstinate and determined.just/exactly like somebody: · You and your dad - you're exactly like each other in temperament.
to have a very similar appearance to your mother, father, grandfather etc: · My sister looks like my dad, but I look more like my mother.· Who does the baby look like?just/exactly like: · You look just like your sister - I would've known you anywhere.
to be like your mother, father, grandfather etc, especially in character: · Aunt Arabella is very stubborn. Kim takes after her in that respect.· He spends a lot of time trying to dispel the myth that he takes after his famous, alcoholic father.
informal to be like your mother, father, grandfather etc in character or behaviour, used especially when talking about a good characteristic: · "That daughter of yours has a great sense of humour." "Yes, I like to think she's a chip off the old block!"
to look after someone by helping them especially British also take care of to make sure someone has everything they need and is safe and happy: · We had a lovely time in Dorset. Susan looked after us very nicely. She's a wonderful cook.· Paul's old enough to look after himself.· Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself.be well looked after (=always given everything you need): · Alex could see the horse had been well looked after.· Don't look so worried -- she's being well looked after by the nurses.take good care of somebody (=be very careful in order to keep somebody healthy, happy, or safe): · Take good care of yourself while you're away.· They took very good care of me.· The firm is getting a reputation for taking better care of its customers than in the past.
to give someone the care and help that you regularly give them, especially as part of your job: · Dr Gresham is busy at the moment attending to one of his patients.· The cabin crew will attend to the passengers' needs.· They worked happily together, feeding and attending to the livestock.
to start to look after a younger or less experienced person in a friendly way with the intention of helping them or protecting them while they gain experience: · Adrienne, eleven years older, had taken the 19-year-old singer under her wing.· He had sized me up, he said, and had decided to take me under his wing.
to look after something to keep something in good condition and make sure that it does not get broken, damaged, or stolen: · You can have a new bike for Christmas if you promise to look after it.· You could see someone had been looking after the garden, even though the house had been empty for years.· The miniature railway is looked after by local volunteers.look after something for somebody: · You don't mind looking after the place for me while I'm away, do you?
especially spoken to look after something that belongs to someone else for a short time, by watching it to make sure that it does not get stolen or damaged: · Tom went into the library while I kept an eye on the bikes.· Does a neighbor keep an eye on your house while you are away?· Can you keep an eye on my bags while I go to the toilet?
to make sure that a car, machine, place, or building is in good condition by checking it and repairing it when necessary: · Residents work in the downstairs shop, and also help to maintain the building. · His role is to maintain the society's fleet of vans, ready to respond in any emergency.· An attempt was being made to maintain the grounds, but weeds were starting to grow in the driveway.
the job of maintaining a car, building, place, or machine: · A car is quite a big expense, especially when you consider maintenance.· Because there had been no maintenance, the college buildings were in a poor state.· the maintenance of public roadsroutine maintenance (=simple maintenance that must be done regularly): · Most gas appliances require routine maintenance once a year to ensure safety.maintenance costs (=the amount of money it costs to maintain something): · The city is paying $30,000 in annual maintenance costs.
the work or process of looking after something in order to keep it in good condition: care of: · She has become a leading expert on the care and maintenance of Renaissance paintings.· Care of the environment has become a priority in government thinking.· These photocopiers require a little extra care to keep them running right.hair-care/skin-care etc: · hair-care products· I'd advise you to follow a new skin care routine.
the continuous process and cost involved in keeping something in good condition, especially a building or garden: the upkeep of something: · The trustees are responsible for the upkeep of the bridge. · The Council's contribution towards the upkeep of the church is very much appreciated.· You get more for your money if you buy an old house, but upkeep costs will be higher
to look after someone especially British to spend time with a child or with someone who is old or sick, and make sure they are safe and have the things they need: · Can you look after the kids for me this afternoon?· I've told you, I can't come. There's no one to look after Frieda.· Jonathon has no idea what it means to take care of a baby all day long. · We specialize in helping caregivers who take care of relatives in their own homes.
to look after someone who is very ill or very old by doing everything for them: · Elsie had to leave her job to care for her sick father.· St Helen's Hospice, which cares for the terminally ill, is holding a special fund-raising week.· It is one of the only charities to care for Aids patients and ex-prisoners.
British to look after children for a short time while their parents are out doing something else: · The woman who minds Pip and Emma collects them from school and gives them an evening meal.· Mothers who work part-time are able to mind other people's children when they are not working.
also sit American to look after children in the evening while their parents go out somewhere, especially when they pay you a small amount of money for doing this: · I'll ask Jane to babysit on Wednesday night.· Ask Alex and Joan next time you're babysitting.babysit for: · He used to babysit for Mary when she worked nights.· Jenny sat for us last Friday evening when we went to the movies.
to stay with a child and watch them to see that they are safe, especially for a short time: · Benjy, I want you to stay in the yard where I can keep an eye on you.· Would you mind keeping an eye on Stacey while I go for a cigarette?keep a close/careful/watchful eye on somebody: · He warned parents to continue to keep a close eye on their children.
to look after someone who is ill and to make them well again or to make them comfortable: · Tony nursed his wife through her long illness without ever complaining.· Irina had wanted to nurse him, but the doctors had sent her away.nurse somebody back to health (=look after a sick person until they are well again): · The monks tended his wounds and nursed him back to health.
British /caregiver American someone who looks after another person who is too young or ill to look after himself or herself - used especially on official forms, in official letters, in newspapers etc: · Hospital staff can provide additional home support for carers.· We have a high number of volunteer carers at the day centre.· Like many caregivers, Marian gave up her job to provide 24-hour care for an elderly relative.
to look for information in a book, on a computer etc to look for information, a document, an Internet page etc on a computer: · You can search on the Internet for the names of dealers in your area.· I searched a few websites, but couldn't find the information I was looking for.
: surf the net/Internet to look at a lot of pages on the Internet, looking for something that interests you: · Many youngsters spend hours surfing the net.
to try to find information by looking in a book, on a list, in computer records: look up something: · If you look up the title of the book, you should then find the author.look something up: · If you don't know what it means, look it up in the dictionary.
to carefully examine a piece of writing, a set of documents, an official record etc in order to find a piece of information or check that there are no mistakes: · He went through the contract quite carefully, checking all the details.· I've finished my essay, but I just need to go through it to check for spelling mistakes.
to look through a large number of records, documents etc for a particular thing or piece of information: · She spent hours trawling through patients' medical records looking for evidence of negligence by doctors.
to read a piece of writing or document very carefully in order to find a piece of information that you need: · He spent half an hour scouring the newspaper for any mention of the fire.
to look for information on the Internet using a computer, especially when you do not know exactly what information you need or where to find it: · Browsing the net one afternoon, I came across Tom's homepage.· One company said that up to half of their employees spend over an hour's work time a day browsing the web.
to look for something or someone that you need or want to try to find something or someone that you need: · Can you help me? I'm looking for a place to stay.· The company is looking for young, enthusiastic graduates to work in its sales department.· I spent months looking for a job, with no luck.
to look for something or someone that you need, especially when it is difficult and takes a long time: · I spent half an hour trying to find a parking space.· Drug companies are trying to find an alternative drug, which will not have such serious side-effects.
especially written if you go in search of something that you need, you go somewhere to try to find it: · Many young people move to the cities in search of a better future.
to spend time trying to find something or someone that you need: · I searched everywhere for a birthday present for Kim, but I found nothing I liked.· I was made redundant last year, and am still searching for a new job.· The school is currently searching for ways to save money.
to look in different places or directions, in order to find a suitable person or thing that you need: · He looked around for somewhere to hang the wet towel.· We're always looking around for new products to add to our list.· They're looking around for a decent apartment, not too far from the city.
formal to try to get or find something you need, for example advice, friendship, or a job: · Economics graduate, aged 25, with business experience, seeks interesting part-time work in the West London area.· If you are at all worried about your symptoms, you should seek medical advice.· The government is seeking support from teachers for its latest education reforms.
informal to be eagerly and continuously looking for something or someone that might be useful to you: · My mother's always on the lookout for a good bargain.· The club is always on the lookout for new young players.· The design department is constantly on the lookout for original ideas.
: job/house/bargain etc hunting when you are trying to find or get a job, house etc: · We rented a car and went house-hunting as soon as we arrived.· Job hunting takes a lot of effort and can be a long, depressing process.
to do everything that you can to find something such as the answer to a problem - used especially in literature: · If a solution can be found, Mr Danby, I shall leave no stone unturned until I have found it.· Union leaders have promised to leave no stone unturned in their search for a way to keep the factory open.
to look for someone or something when you do not know where they are to try to find something that you have lost, or someone who is not in the place where you expected them to be: · I'm looking for Simon -- have you seen him?· I've been looking everywhere for that key! Where did you find it?
to look for someone or something, especially when it is difficult to find them: · Jill was up in the attic trying to find her old school books.· I tried to find Jack to tell him the news, but he wasn't anywhere around.
especially spoken to look for someone or something, especially when you do it quickly or when you only look in one place: · "I can't find my shoes." "Have a look in your bedroom."have a look for: · I had a look for Clive but he wasn't in his office.have a quick look: · I'll just have a quick look for that book before we go.have a good look (=look carefully and thoroughly): · We don't have time to find it now - we'll have a good look in the morning.
to look carefully and thoroughly for someone or something, especially when it is very important that you find them: · Coastguards are still searching for survivors from the ship.· Friends and neighbours joined police officers to search for clues.
especially spoken if you go in search of someone or something, you go somewhere in order to find them: go/set off in search of: · She stayed and talked for a while, then went off in search of Flynn.
to look urgently and thoroughly for someone or something in every possible place: · Friends and neighbors hunted everywhere, but no-one could find the child.hunt for: · I hunted all morning for the book of photos, but couldn't find it.
when the police are looking for a criminal to look for someone who has been involved in a crime or who has escaped from prison: · Police are still looking for three men who stole £55,000 from a post office in York.· Police searching for the killer of a nine-year-old girl have appealed to the public for help.
informal to be trying to find and catch someone who has done something wrong: · She said she was frightened because the police were after her.· The man we're after is one of the biggest drug-dealers in South America.
to search for a criminal - use this when a large number of police are making an organized search over a wide area: hunt for: · Police are still hunting for the girl's killer.hunt somebody down (=search for a criminal until you find them): · Many opponents of the regime who escaped abroad were later hunted down and killed.
to plan something that will happen a long time in the future · Once you have children, it's wise to plan ahead.· Fluctuations in oil prices on the world market make it impossible for developing countries to plan ahead.plan ahead for · It's never too soon to start planning ahead for your retirement.
to think about what may happen in the future so that you are aware of it when you make plans: · By looking ahead, management are then in a good position to anticipate potential problems.look ahead to: · All footballers have to look ahead to the time when they leave the game.
British /future planning American the activity of thinking carefully about what will happen in the future, and including this in your present plans, especially in order to make possible problems easier to deal with when the time comes: · With a little more forward planning, we could have avoided these problems.· Expert advice is available for investors who wish to engage in future planning.
when it is likely that something will happen or is true when something will probably happen or is probably true: · "Where is she?" "Probably in her room."· We'll probably be shooting the movie on location in Europe.· Archaeologists think the temple was probably built in the 3rd century AD.· He wrote dozens of books, but this is probably his best-known novel.
something that is likely will probably happen or is probably true: · The most likely result is a win for the Democrats.likely to do something: · The price of petrol is likely to rise again this year.very likely: · The jury is very likely to believe he was in the apartment at the time of the crime.something seems likely: · A peace settlement now seems likely.it is likely (that): · It is likely that the girl knew her killer.
formal likely to be true or likely to happen: it is/seems probable (that): · It seems probable that the election will be held in May.highly probable (=when something will almost certainly happen): · Unless the government agrees to further talks, a strike seems highly probable.probable cause: · The report states that the probable cause of death was a heart attack.probable cost/result/outcome etc: · The project will go ahead, at a probable cost of $2.1 million.
to be very likely: · The withdrawal of the allied forces is now a strong possibility.be a strong possibility (that): · There is a strong possibility that both the murders were committed by one man.be a strong possibility of: · The weather forecast says that there's a strong possibility of snow.
spoken say this when the present situation makes you think that something is likely to happen or likely to be true: · There aren't any taxis. It looks as if we'll have to walk.· Ted should be here by now. It looks like he's been delayed.it looks like being British: · From the agenda, it looks like being a long meeting.
if something may well happen or may well be true, it is fairly likely to happen or to be true: · Take an umbrella. It might well rain later on.· That's only my opinion. I could well be wrong.· The eruption of Santorini in 1470 BC may well have been heard as far away as Britain.it may well be (that): · It could well be that it is too late for us to reverse the effects of global warming.something may well be the case: · "Apparently, interest rates could rise again next month." "Yes, that might well be the case."
British /be in the cards American use this to say that something is likely to happen because of the present situation: · They say that another recession is on the cards.· No one was surprised when they got a divorce. It had been on the cards for years.· I was hoping for a promotion, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards right now.
also I guess American spoken say this when you think something is likely to be true or likely to happen: I suppose (that): · There was no reply when I phoned - I suppose she's still at work.· I suppose that they'll do some sightseeing while they're here.· I guess Kathy will want to bring her boyfriend.I suppose so/I guess so (=use this to answer a question): · "Is Bill coming too?" "I suppose so."· "If you don't pass the test, will you take it again?" "I guess so."
British /I would think/guess American spoken say this when you know enough about a situation to think something is likely to be true or likely to happen: · The garden's about 100 metres long, I would guess.I should think (that): · I should think she's about 24 or 25.· I would think that almost everyone could get here on a Saturday. I should/would think so: · "Will the match still go ahead?'' "Yes, I should think so.''
spoken say this when you know enough about a situation to think that something is likely to happen or be true, especially something special or unusual: I wouldn't be surprised if: · You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to get married.I wouldn't be surprised to hear/see/find etc that: · I wouldn't be surprised to hear that she'd left that job by now.
to think you are better than other people if you look down on other people, you think you are better or more important then them: · He looks down on anyone who hasn't had a college education.
if it is beneath you to do something or to talk to someone, you think you are much too important to do it: · Do you think you could make the tea for once -- or is that beneath you!be beneath to do something: · She was surprised to learn that he didn't think it was beneath him to help around the house.
if you say that someone thinks they are too good for a particular kind of work or for a particular person, you mean they are too proud to do that kind of work or to spend time with that person: · I suppose you think you're too good for us now you've inherited a fortune.· So you think you're too good for training college?
to seem if someone or something seems happy, dishonest, true etc, that is what you think they are, even though you are not completely certain: seem nice/happy/strange etc (to somebody): · Katie seems happy at her new school.· The whole situation seems very strange to me.seem to be/do something: · Lack of money seems to be the main problem.· Ricky graduated, but didn't seem to know what to do with his life. He was drifting.it seems (that)/it seems to somebody (that) (=use this to say what you think about a situation): · It seems that someone forgot to lock the door.· It seemed to Jim that Amy was worried about something.seem like especially spoken (=seem to be): · Kevin seems like a nice guy.· "Why did you move to New York?" "It seemed like a good idea at the time."there seems to be: · There seems to be something wrong with the TV.it seems as if: · There were so many delays - it seemed as if we would never get home.it seems likely/possible/probable (that): · It seems likely that they will release the hostages soon.
formal to seem: appear to be/do something: · My father appeared to be in good health.· The archaeologists uncovered both domestic structures and what appear to have been commercial buildings.appear calm/rude/angry etc: · It's difficult to ask someone their age without appearing rude.· The city appeared calm after the previous night's fighting.it appears (that): · Police said it appeared that John Seidler's death was an accident, but an investigation continues.
if someone or something looks good, bad, tired etc, that is how they seem to you when you look at them: · That book looks interesting.· Warren looked tired after his long drive.· We had run out of money, and the situation looked pretty hopeless.look like something: · She's really pretty - she looks like a model.· The burglar was holding what looked like a shotgun.look as if: · You look as if you haven't slept all night.it looks as if (=use this to say how a situation seems to you): · It looks as if we are going to need more help.
if someone or something sounds good, bad, strange, angry etc, that is how they seem to you when you hear about them, read about them, or hear them: · Istanbul sounds really exciting.· He sounds a pretty strange person.· I called my dad and told him what has happened. He sounded really angry. sound like: · "We're all going clubbing tomorrow night." "That sounds like fun." it sounds (to me) as if (=use this to say how a situation seems to you when you hear about it): · It sounds to me as if he needs to see a doctor.
to seem to have particular qualities or characteristics, especially because of the way you talk to or behave towards other people: · In the book, Strayhorn comes across as a sympathetic human being, while Stan Getz emerges as a volatile character with a violent temper.come across as being something: · He often comes across as being rather cold and arrogant.come across well/badly: · She doesn't come across well in interviews, but she's very good at her job.
if someone or something gives the impression that something about them is true, they make other people think it is true, especially when it is not: give the impression (that): · Paul liked to give everyone the impression that he knew a lot about cars.· We always leave the lights on when we go out at night, to give the impression there's someone in the house.give the impression of: · Mirrors are used in the dining room in order to give the impression of space.
if a person or situation strikes you as strange, interesting, unusual etc, this is your opinion of how they seem: · What strikes me as odd is the fact that she didn't report the burglary to the police.· She didn't strike me as the type who would want to become a teacher.strike somebody as being/having something: · He never struck me as being very interested in politics.
if someone or something shows signs of age, improvement, tiredness etc, some features of their appearance or behaviour make them seem old, better, tired etc: · The economy is showing no signs of any improvement.· Doctors at the hospital say Mr Crowther is beginning to show signs of recovery, although he is still in intensive care.show signs of doing something: · If the soil shows signs of drying out, water it sparingly.
if a thing or event has all the hallmarks of something, it has all the typical features of someone's work or actions, and therefore seems to have been done or made by them: · The explosion has all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.· The painting isn't signed by Matisse, but it has all the hallmarks of one of his later works.
to seem to involve or be caused by a particular attitude, feeling, or intention, especially a bad one: · The government's new asylum bill seems inhumane, and smacks of racism.· The chairman's decision is disturbing, and smacks of dishonesty.
selfish someone who is selfish only thinks about what they need or want, and never thinks about how other people feel or what other people want: · Amy, don't be selfish. Let the others have a turn.· Carter has never been a selfish player.· It's not that I'm selfish. I just don't loan out my tools anymore.· Sometimes it's all right to be a little selfish, and forget about everyone else for a change.
British /self-centered American paying so much attention to yourself that you do not notice what is happening to other people: · He was too self-centered to notice how unhappy Ruth was.· Jill's attractive and pleasant to talk to, but she's extremely self-centred.· Our whole society has become selfish and self-centered.
someone who is egocentric believes that what they do and think is much more important than what anyone else thinks or does: · Fox plays an egocentric movie star.· He was a man of undoubted genius, but bad-tempered, egocentric, and impossible to live with.· Older children are less egocentric than younger ones, and more willing to accept other people's ideas.
informal to be selfish, especially when you are making plans or arrangements: · Before I had children, I only thought about myself and what I wanted.· You never think about anyone but yourself - we needed that money!
informal to behave selfishly, especially in a situation where this is necessary because everyone else is doing the same: · I don't blame anyone for looking out for themselves, that's human nature.· In the 1980s, the message was clear -- look out for number one and give no thought to the rest of society.
to suit someone if something such as a piece of clothing or a colour suits someone, they look good when they wear it because it is the right colour, style etc: · Do you think this colour suits me?· Steve was wearing a red silk shirt that didn't suit him at all.· Your hair suits you like that.· That dress would really suit Annie.
if a piece of clothing looks good on someone, it looks good when they are wearing it: · Why don't you wear that black dress? It looks really good on you.· Those trousers would look really good on you.
clothes or styles that are flattering help to make someone look more attractive, for example by making a fat person look thinner: · High-heeled shoes are flattering but not very comfortable.· She wore a plain black dress, quite simple but very flattering.
not good-looking not nice to look at - use this as a less direct way of saying someone is unattractive: · He's a nice guy, but not very good-looking.
not nice to look at and not sexually attractive in a physical way: · Like many teenage girls, she was worried that she was unattractive.· He wasn't a particularly attractive man, but there was something about him that women liked.find somebody unattractive (=think that someone is unattractive): · She was crazy about Carl, and couldn't understand why we found him unattractive.
someone who is plain , especially a woman, is not ugly but is not at all good-looking: · Catherine, who had been rather plain as a child, was now an attractive young woman.· Miles was the plain one in an otherwise good-looking family.
American someone who is homely is not at all good-looking: · The waitress was a homely girl from Kansas.· Brad was a serious boy, very ordinary-looking but not downright homely.
if you say that someone is not much to look at , you mean that they are not good-looking, especially when other things about them are attractive: · Edward's not much to look at, but he has a great personality.
to visit a person or place on the way to somewhere else also stop in American to visit a person for a short time while you are on your way to somewhere else: · I just stopped in to say goodbye before I go on vacation.· Stop by for a drink on your way home from work.
to make a short visit to someone, while you are on your way somewhere, especially if they are ill or need help: · I promised to look in on Dad and see if he's feeling better.· Tom will look in on you later to see if you need anything.
British /come by American to visit a person or place for a short time while you are on your way to somewhere else: · Why don't you call in on your way up north?· Come by on Saturday and we'll have a drink together.call in on somebody: · I called in on Sally yesterday.
to make a short visit to a place during a journey: · We'll stop off and see you on our way back.stop off in/at: · He stopped off in Paris for a couple of days.
to visit somewhere for a short time during a long journey, especially a plane flight: stop over in: · The flight to Australia takes 28 hours but we stop over in Singapore for a night.
to visit a person to go and spend time with someone, especially in their home: · I visit my grandparents at least once a month.· Paul visited her every day when she was in hospital.· We won't be that far away - you'll be able to come and visit.
spoken to visit someone: · I'm going to see my brother and his family tomorrow.· Better go and see your father tonight.· Why don't you go and see your mother?go see American spoken: · You really should go see Mattie some time.
to visit someone at their house, especially if they live close to you: · I saw your Mum today, and I promised that we'd go round later.go over/go around/go round to: · Let's get a bottle of wine and go over to Simon's place.
if someone comes over or comes round , they visit you at your house, especially if they live close to you: · I'll come over at about 7 o'clock,· Why don't you come round later and we'll discuss it over dinner?
to visit someone, especially for a particular reason: pay a visit to somebody: · Your hand looks very swollen, I think you should pay a visit to the doctor.pay somebody a visit: · Isn't it time you paid your mother a visit?
to visit someone that you have not seen for a long time, while you are spending some time in the area where they live: look somebody up: · I'll give you my address so you can look me up whenever you're in London.look up somebody: · I looked up a few old friends while I was in Birmingham.
if a lot of people, especially members of your family, descend on you, all of them suddenly visit you at the same time: · Sorry for just descending on you like this, Pam -- we had nowhere else to stay.· The following week all my family descended upon me.
when someone is waiting for something to happen able to wait calmly without becoming annoyed or bored: · I'm sure she'll write soon. Just try to be patient.· Halle was patient, waiting for the boy to finish his explanation.
becoming annoyed because you have been waiting for a long time: · Don't be so impatient. I'm working as fast as I can.· By this time there was a queue of impatient customers waiting to be served.impatient for: · The new minister was almost immediately the object of attack by politicians and press impatient for results.get/become/grow impatient (with): · I could see that Max was getting impatient with me.
to wait happily or excitedly for something that is going to happen: · I'm really looking forward to this trip to Japan.· We used to look forward to the weekends because that was when we could spend some time together.look forward to to doing something: · I look forward to meeting you next month.
if you say you can't wait , you mean you feel excited and impatient because something good is going to happen and you want it to happen as soon as possible: · We're flying to Austria on Friday. I can't wait!can't wait for: · I can't wait for Christmas!· School is so boring. I can't wait for the holidays to come.can't wait to do something: · I can't wait to see their new house.· She couldn't wait to quit her job and get married.
to wait anxiously to see what is going to happen, especially when there is a possibility that something bad may happen: · Rachel held her breath as she waited for his answer.· The art world will be holding its breath to see how much these paintings sell for at auction.
waiting hopefully and excitedly for something to happen: · Bright expectant faces were turned upward toward the stage.· Expectant crowds waited outside the theatre.· The darkened assembly room became suddenly hushed and expectant as the picture appeared on the screen.
what you say when you want to warn someone spoken say this to urgently warn someone that they will have an accident if they do not immediately try to avoid it: · "Look out!" yelled Willie. "He's got a gun!"· Look out! There's a train coming!· Watch out! You nearly hit that car.
British spoken use this to warn someone not to touch something or do something that would be dangerous or cause trouble: · Mind the table Charlotte, there are drinks on it.mind/mind out: · Mind! The plate's hot.· Mind out! There's a motorcycle!mind you don't do something: · The cat's down there - mind you don't tread on him.mind how you go (=used to warn someone to walk carefully to avoid slipping or falling): · Mind how you go. The path's a bit slippery.
use this to warn someone that what they are doing could be dangerous: · "Watch out!" yelled the driver, as the truck veered towards his car.· Watch it! You nearly knocked my head off with that ladder.
spoken use this to warn someone that what they are doing could be dangerous: · I handed Phil the heavy revolver. "Be careful, it's loaded."· Be careful, it's very hot.be careful with: · Hey! Be careful with that cigarette!be careful/take care not to do something: · Be careful not to do anything that might make him angry.
especially written used to warn people about something dangerous - usually seen on signs and official statements: · Beware. Deep water.beware of: · Beware of the dog.· Beware of falling rocks.· The police warn tourists to beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded places.beware of doing something: · Beware of accidentally starting the engine while you are cleaning the blades.
spoken informal use this to warn or advise someone that they should do something in order to avoid trouble: · "I suppose I ought to apologize." "Yes, you'd better, or she might make things difficult for you."you'd better do something: · You'd better tell the police in case they think it was your fault.· The train leaves in twenty minutes, so you'd better hurry up!
British spoken say this to warn someone that something they are determined to do is not sensible and will probably end badly: · Never have an affair with a work colleague - they usually end in tears.it'll (all) end in tears: · My common sense told me: "Stay away! It'll end in tears!"
always watching to see what happens someone who is alert is always watching, and notices if anything strange or unusual happens: · Passengers should try to stay alert at all times, and report any suspicious packages to the police immediately.· She owes her life to an alert farmer, who spotted her car in a ditch and called the emergency services.
to watch carefully because you think that something bad might happen: · We ask you all to be on the alert and to report anything suspicious immediately.be on the alert for: · Staff have been warned to be on the alert for bombs.
spoken say this to tell someone to keep watching carefully so that they will see something that they are hoping or expecting to see: · We might see a dolphin if we're lucky, so keep your eyes open.keep your eyes open/peeled for: · I always keep my eyes open for discounts and special offers.· Keep your eyes peeled for Robert - he should be here any minute.
to keep watching so that you will notice someone or something: · Look out for the old college buildings on your left.· We had to watch out for potholes in the road.
always watching to see what happens, either to make sure that nothing bad happens, or simply because you are interested: · The fans left the ground quietly, under the watchful gaze of security cameras.· Alan became more watchful and uneasy as the evening went on.keep a watchful eye on (=keep watching someone to make sure they do not get into trouble, hurt themselves etc): · Bill was in the kitchen, keeping a watchful eye on the children as he prepared lunch.
someone who is vigilant is always watching to see what happens, especially to see if anyone is doing anything wrong or illegal: · To combat thieves, it is important for staff to be vigilant at all times.
to watch someone or something to look for some time at something that is happening or moving, and pay attention to what you see: · She watched the man with interest as he made his way through the crowd.· Do you want to join in or just sit and watch?watch as: · I watched as the small boat disappeared over the horizon.watch somebody do/doing something: · They watched the runners go past.· We watched the children playing on the beach.watch television/a video/the tennis etc: · Did you watch that programme about real life murders last night?· The Presidential debate was watched by over 10 million people.
to look at something or someone: · Did you see the news last night?· We went to see the new "Star Wars" film last weekend.see somebody do/doing something: · He saw a man get out of the car and walk to the side of the road.· The driver saw two men attacking a middle-aged woman.
to watch someone or something carefully in order to learn more about them: · I love to observe people at work.observe how/what: · Visitors are encouraged to look around and observe how things work.
to watch something happening, without taking part or trying to stop it: · Sarah set off after the man, while her friends looked on in amazement.· The women looked on, nodding and smiling.· Mr Parsons began to cough again, while his wife looked on helplessly.
looking or behaving like a young person looking or behaving like a young person, even though you are no longer young: · At 61, she seems remarkably youthful.· Although middle-aged, he had a youthful appearance.· She still manages to bring a youthful enthusiasm and energy to her work.
to look younger than you really are: · Veronique looks very young for her age, and people often think that her daughter is her sister.
British someone who dresses in clothes that are only suitable for a much younger person in order to seem younger - use this to say that you think this makes them look silly or embarrassing: · Some people might think that she was 'mutton dressed as lamb', but tonight Moira really didn't care.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
The future’s looking good. You made me look really stupid in front of all my friends! You look tired. You should go to bed. He looked as if he hadn’t washed for a week. What did the man look like? My sister doesn’t look anything like me. You could tell that the horse had been well looked after. Looking back on it, I still can’t figure out what went wrong. ‘Salubrious’! That’s just the word I was looking for. I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me. Now the summer’s here things are looking up!COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The dull, absent look on her face implied boredom. She gave me an anxious look. Dan came in looking very apologetic. Denise gave me a black look. Zoe looked at me with a blank expression. You need to think very carefully about which course you want to do. She cast an anguished look at Guy. The young tramp cast him a wary glance. You look cool in denim. Luke gave her a cool look. He came back looking crestfallen. Her shouting attracted some curious glances from other people in the restaurant. Even a cursory glance at the figures will tell you that sales are down. Her face was very pale and she wore a dazed expression. She gave me a last despairing look. The job creation programme is looked upon with disfavour by the local community. ‘Everything’s going to be all right, you’ll see.’ Jenny looked doubtful. ‘Are you sure you know what you are doing?’ Andy said, looking dubious. The child looked enchanting in a pale blue dress. The voice on the phone sounded familiar. Your sister looks very fetching in that dress. She gave him a filthy look. In theory, the scheme sounds fine. Ann stared fixedly at the screen. Duvall gave him a flinty stare. He’d been made to look foolish. I felt that at last I could begin to look forward. Let’s take a fresh look at the problem. He gave me a frosty stare. Chris kept stealing furtive glances at me. Anna looked glum. Take a good look at it. We were just having a look around. Are you going to have a swim? I look forward to hearing from you (=hope to receive news from you). You should have seen the look of horror on his face. With her designer clothes and elegant hair, she looks every inch the celebrity. She stood by the wall, trying to look inconspicuous. She shot him an incredulous look. He gave us a knowing look. The garden looked like a jungle. At last he felt like a real soldier. The most fashionable jeans this winter have a lived-in look. He looked longingly at the tray of cakes. You look lovely in that dress. He gave her a dark, malevolent look. When I looked in the mirror I couldn’t believe it. I looked fantastic! Gabby looked at him with a mischievous grin. Jan looks really miserable. The car may not be much to look at (=it does not look good) but it’s very reliable. You look nice in that suit. Mm, something smells nice! a nostalgic look back at the 1950s She was holding an extremely odd-looking weapon. Stella was beginning to feel a little offended. Stand with your elbows pointing outwards. You’re looking a little peaked this morning. He’s looking a bit peaky today. He gave her a piercing look. Alice read the letter with a puzzled expression on her face. He sat and watched her, a quizzical look on his face. Sam looked a bit sheepish. He looks a bit shifty to me. ‘You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.’ Michelle shot him a furious glance. Jack shot an anxious look at his mother. She jumped at any opportunity to make me look small. You’re looking very smart. ‘I knew I’d win,’ she said with a smug smile. Eliza was tall and thin, with a rather sour face. ‘Wait!’ I shouted in my sternest voice. a thoughtful look a triumphant grin Benson looked troubled when he heard the news. You’re looking very well. There was a wild look about her (=she seemed a little crazy). She has managed to maintain her youthful appearance.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
The future’s looking good. (=it seems likely that) It looks as if it might rain later. It looks like they won’t be needing us anymore.
It looks as if it might rain later. It looks like they won’t be needing us anymore. You made me look really stupid in front of all my friends! You look tired. You should go to bed. He looked as if he hadn’t washed for a week. What did the man look like? My sister doesn’t look anything like me. You could tell that the horse had been well looked after. Looking back on it, I still can’t figure out what went wrong. ‘Salubrious’! That’s just the word I was looking for. (=think only of the advantages you can get for yourself)
I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me. Now the summer’s here things are looking up! The dull, absent look on her face implied boredom. (=look or feel as old as you really are)· The singer is 46, but she doesn’t look her age at all.· I keep getting aches in my legs and I’m starting to feel my age.
She gave me an anxious look. Dan came in looking very apologetic.· They all admired Gordon and looked to him for approval.
· ‘You’ve thought of everything,’ she said with a smile of approval.
· Managers were asked to look at every aspect of their work.
· She began looking for bargains at car boot sales.
Denise gave me a black look. Zoe looked at me with a blank expression. (=look at the pages quickly)· I looked through the book until I found the right section.
· Some of the students were starting to look bored.
· He gave her a brief look.
You need to think very carefully about which course you want to do. She cast an anguished look at Guy. The young tramp cast him a wary glance.· For a while the whole project looked certain to fail.
· She looked at the clock. It was eight thirty.
· She moved forward to take a close look at the painting.
· Investigators descended on the crime scene hunting for clues.
· That sofa looks wonderfully comfortable.
· He gave her a look of contempt that made her want to hit him.
· Although this does not seem to be a good result, let’s examine it in context.
You look cool in denim. Luke gave her a cool look. He came back looking crestfallen.· $3 billion a year is spent searching for a cure for cancer.
Her shouting attracted some curious glances from other people in the restaurant. Even a cursory glance at the figures will tell you that sales are down. Her face was very pale and she wore a dazed expression.· Is Jo all right? She sounded a bit depressed.
She gave me a last despairing look.· If you don’t understand the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary.
· She looked in the direction that Jeremy was pointing.
· She didn't attempt to hide the look of disappointment on her face.
The job creation programme is looked upon with disfavour by the local community. ‘Everything’s going to be all right, you’ll see.’ Jenny looked doubtful. (=try to find something by looking in drawers)· I've been through all my drawers and I can't find it.
‘Are you sure you know what you are doing?’ Andy said, looking dubious.· The judge seemed embarrassed to be asking her such personal questions.
(also seek employment formal)· My son had to leave the farm and seek employment elsewhere.
The child looked enchanting in a pale blue dress.· Your husband doesn’t look too enthusiastic about the idea.
· The investigation will look for evidence of financial mismanagement.
· I began to look for excuses to avoid seeing him.
· All of her clothes look very expensive.
· She had a rather surprised look on her face.· I could tell by the look on Dan’s face that he was disappointed.
The voice on the phone sounded familiar. Your sister looks very fetching in that dress. She gave him a filthy look. In theory, the scheme sounds fine. Ann stared fixedly at the screen. Duvall gave him a flinty stare. He’d been made to look foolish. I felt that at last I could begin to look forward. Let’s take a fresh look at the problem. He gave me a frosty stare. Chris kept stealing furtive glances at me. (=know what will happen in the future)· I wish I could see into the future.
(=think about or plan for the future)· She could now look to the future with confidence.
· The future looks good for the company.
Anna looked glum. Take a good look at it. (=look pale and ill)
· He gave me a look of pure hate as I entered the room.
We were just having a look around. Are you going to have a swim? I look forward to hearing from you (=hope to receive news from you). You should have seen the look of horror on his face.· He looked rather ill when I saw him.
With her designer clothes and elegant hair, she looks every inch the celebrity. She stood by the wall, trying to look inconspicuous. She shot him an incredulous look. (also seek information formal)· Journalists going to the building to seek information were denied entry.
(also seek inspiration formal)· I sought inspiration in medieval carvings.
· There was a look of joy on their faces.
He gave us a knowing look. The garden looked like a jungle. At last he felt like a real soldier.· Which candidate seems likely to win?
The most fashionable jeans this winter have a lived-in look. He looked longingly at the tray of cakes. You look lovely in that dress. He gave her a dark, malevolent look.· She stopped the car to look at the map.
(=read the menu)· He looked at the menu and decided to have the salad.
When I looked in the mirror I couldn’t believe it. I looked fantastic! Gabby looked at him with a mischievous grin. Jan looks really miserable. The car may not be much to look at (=it does not look good) but it’s very reliable.· He sounded nervous and uncertain.
· Lucy swallowed as she sent him a nervous glance.
You look nice in that suit. Mm, something smells nice! a nostalgic look back at the 1950s· I read through my notes before the exam.
She was holding an extremely odd-looking weapon. Stella was beginning to feel a little offended. (=consider an option)· You have to look at every option as your business develops.
Stand with your elbows pointing outwards. You’re looking a little peaked this morning. He’s looking a bit peaky today. He gave her a piercing look. Alice read the letter with a puzzled expression on her face. He sat and watched her, a quizzical look on his face. (=rain appears likely because there are dark clouds in the sky)· We ate indoors because it looked like rain.
· Jen looked relieved to see me.
· He allowed himself a little smile of satisfaction.
· What’s the matter? You look scared.
Sam looked a bit sheepish. He looks a bit shifty to me.· He glanced at his mother, who looked shocked.
‘You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.’ Michelle shot him a furious glance. Jack shot an anxious look at his mother. (=look behind you)· He glanced over his shoulder and grinned at me.
She jumped at any opportunity to make me look small. You’re looking very smart. ‘I knew I’d win,’ she said with a smug smile.· The company is still seeking a solution to its financial problems.
Eliza was tall and thin, with a rather sour face.· I had spent a lot of time looking up at the stars as a kid.
‘Wait!’ I shouted in my sternest voice. a thoughtful look a triumphant grin Benson looked troubled when he heard the news.· Both his parents looked very unhappy.
(=look at someone in order to judge their appearance or character) Maisie looked her rival up and down with a critical eye.
Maisie looked her rival up and down with a critical eye.· She gave me a warning look, but I carried on.
· I looked at my watch. It was 4.30.
You’re looking very well. There was a wild look about her (=she seemed a little crazy).· Mom stared out of the window at the road.
(=try to find it in a book)· I looked the word up in my dictionary.
(also seek work formal)· Young people come to town looking for work.
· Don’t look so worried! It’ll be fine.
· John came in with a worried look on his face.
She has managed to maintain her youthful appearance.· She was already by his side before she thought of how her face and hair must look.· How vivid and alive their faces looked.· He was still breathing hard from his few minutes of play, but his face looked like stone.· Light suit, short hair, spotty face, but looking in charge.· Each time a man looked away and refused to back him up, and the panic on his face doubled.· Her face looked big in the papers.
· It is comparable with the oddness which might visit all our outward appearances if we stopped looking in mirror.· I looked into the mirror, my green eyes looking back out at me showing no emotion, no excitement at all.· I looked into the little mirror for just a moment.· I looked into the mirror, searching once again into the riddle of my face.· I kept looking in the mirror but not, you understand, for traffic.· He looked in the gilt mirror.· When he had finished looking in the mirror to put in his buttonhole rose, it was time to go.· He looks in the mirror three, no, four, no, five times.
· Arthur looked over some one's shoulder but said nothing.· With wet clothes clinging to her back, she looked skeletal, her shoulder blades poking up like sharp crags.· You never know what's out there, they said, looking fearfully over their shoulders.· Ahead, Ember turned into the tunnel-mouth, not even looking over his shoulder.· Then the Texas native looked over his shoulder.· Somehow, with the glasses on, she felt compelled to look back over her shoulder all the time.· I looked over his shoulder while he consulted a little list.
· Thee buses were photographed with a few surprised giraffes looking in the windows.· They were the ones standing on packing crates outside the post hospital, looking proudly through the windows into the nursery.· One was turning the pages of an old copy of Hotel & Caterer, the other was looking out of the window.· When I took my children to bed at night they would pause to look through a little knee-high window which lit the stairs.· I whispered, looking out the window.· It gave me the foothold I needed to pull myself up and look in at the window.· Whenever I look out of the window, they are crouched innocently in seemingly random positions.
VERB· He stepped back a pace, smiling broadly as he saw the young woman who stood before him, looking slightly surprised.· He walked Stanley to the door and stood looking into the street with a worried expression.· Slowly, step by step, she crept along the terrace until she stood there, looking in.· They stood there looking at each other.· I stood looking him over for about a minute and then went round the room.· The people standing around us looked embarrassed.· He walked slowly over to the door, and stood looking down at her.· Instead I stood up and looked around.
· They turned to look back at the emptiness they had crossed.· Even a very good marriage is not one where everyone turns and looks when you walk into the room.· She turns to look at him.· Gao Yang turned to look at him.· They passed the hill, but she did not turn to look at the graveyard.· Suddenly she turned and looked at him.· Karr turned, looking for further assassins, then, satisfied there were none, looked down at Tolonen.· When I reached the crest of the hill I turned to look back.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► look something ↔ up► look somebody ↔ up► look under the bonnet► look what you’re doing/look where you’re going etc► look at somebody/something► look on somebody/somethingPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► appealing look/expression/voice etc► feel/look like a million bucks► look like something the cat dragged/brought in► look/feel like death warmed up► look as if you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards► look/feel etc like nothing on earth► a faraway look► fix somebody with a stare/glare/look etc► look a fright► never/don’t look a gift horse in the mouth► injured look/expression etc► look to your laurels► look lively!► like looking for a needle in a haystack► you only have to read/look at/listen to etc something► be/look a picture► rock a trend/look etc► not give something a second glance/look► work a trend/look etc
1see [intransitive] to turn your eyes towards something, so that you can see it: - He looked Lucien in the eyes only once.
- He doesn't look you in the eyes when he talks; he answers quietly with head bowed.
- He tried to look me in the eye, Say I didn't look a day older.
- I don't see why I shouldn't look people in the eye.
- My friend puts down her fork and looks me in the eye.
- Next day everybody had trouble looking Rick in the eye.
- Nice firm handshake, look her in the eye.
- I can go in a shirt and jeans and no one looks down his nose at me.
- Besides, I didn't fancy going to the Chapel and having all the family looking down their noses at me.
- But I was not one to look down my nose at shabbiness.
- Don't look down their noses at you.
- Never had any man so looked down his nose at her.
- No more will I look down my nose at whining, spineless malcontents.
- Normally she looked down her nose at men and then ignored them unless they needed the sharp edge of her tongue.
- One who doesn't look down her nose at anybody.
- We looked down our noses at this pair of student hicks.
- Politicians have looked the other way while children go hungry.
- He tactfully looked the other way and did not pause in his stride.
- Mud pools wait until you are looking the other way before plopping discreetly.
- Our safe places were attacked by hooligans, and the authorities looked the other way.
- Running out of time, minding its own business, looking the other way.
- The troops, acting on orders, looked the other way.
- Turn a deaf ear, look the other way.
- Up stepped Purse, who had only just taken over the penalty duties, as 32,000 Brummies looked the other way.
- With hindsight it would have saved a lot of heartbreak if he had looked the other way.
- For a typical candidate, one need look no further than Keith Hill, bidding to take Streatham from the Tories.
- For evidence, look no further than the campaign trail.
- If the sheer quantity of information about 1992 is clouding your vision, look no further for the silver lining.
- In fact, I needed to look no further than the ground below me.
- Often they decide they like the idea of running one particular business and they look no further.
- Or need I look no further than the old man's unspoken mistrust of my intentions?
- You need look no further than last weekend for examples, when Kentucky and Kansas both lost their final games.
- You need look no further than Plautus himself.
- Proceed with caution and, at the risk of sounding like a tabloid astrologer, look before you leap.
- Whatever you decide, it pays to look before you leap.
- The company is looking to increase its sales in Europe during the next two years.
- The Redskins will be looking to repeat their Super Bowl victory next season.
- We're not just looking to make money.
- Canoeists should be looking to their own backyard to promote an anti racist approach within the sport.
- Last year it took 32 % of the mobile phone market and is looking to buck the worldwide trend.
- Now the Labour Party is looking to its future.
- The company is looking to hire between 20-30 to work on Airbus wing production.
- To others it will be a rural environment which they are looking to protect.
- We are looking to the city of Grand Forks to assist us in funding our transportation program.
- Look! There's a bluejay!
- Look out! You almost hit that cat!
- Wow, look at that! It's huge!
- Well, look who's here! It's Jill and Paul!
- Don't look now - here comes Kristen.
- Now look what you've done! You'll have to clean it up.
- Look here, you can't say things like that to me!
- But look here, brother, I said.
- But look here, in-between is precisely where you seem to have stationed yourself.
- But do not look here for specific advice.
- I shall be looking here at the effect of adjusting their published accounts between 1972 and 1991 to allow for inflation.
- Let me look here in front of me.
- Now look here, if you're reading this, who's grooming the badgers for the badger parade?
- So why look here for schools that work?
- Well, then, look here.
- "Do you need help with anything?" "No thanks. We're just looking."
- Concentrate on the truth, advised Eric Gill, and let beauty look after itself.
- No doubt many more boys were up to the same tricks, but convention ruled that they were better able to look after themselves.
- Remember, at the same time as you are looking after yourself, you are protecting them.
- Respecting yourself means looking after yourself.
- That's all for now, look after yourselves, and make sure you don't overdo things, Gwen.
- The pup must now look after itself.
- We have sheltered accommodation, with understanding professional staff, for blind men and women who are unable to look after themselves.
- You knew how to look after yourself, he said.
- But now she can look after herself.
- It is generally assumed that at postgraduate level and above users can look after themselves.
- Gasping for breath, Isabel managed to twist her head away from him and look around.
- Get all your benefits sorted out and then start looking around again.
- He looks around him at everybody watching.
- I came and looked around and felt this campus is no different than the society at large.
- In the silence Johnson looked around at the porch for any details he may have forgotten.
- My heart sank as I looked around.
- Two old ladies look round in my direction.
- When they were gone, Petey crawled out and looked around.
- Their relationship is not free and easy but at least Red is no longer looking daggers at her.
- Edward's not much to look at, but he has a great personality.
- After Berg left baseball in 1978, he never looked back.
- After this he would never look back.
- And it was a strange feeling for Lois when she saw Paul do just that and never look back.
- He grabbed the points race lead for good in late April and virtually never looked back.
- Her studies were interrupted by the opportunity to go into local politics, from which she has never looked back.
- Mandy Rice-Davies meant good times, and never looking back.
- Once he learned to ride his gains and cut his losses, he never looked back.
- She never looked back to see what was chasing her, just woke in a cramped sweat, breathless and in tears.
- Today their dreams have come true partially because they burned their bridges and never looked back.
- All three of them are looking for work in large towns.
- He seemed to be looking for something.
- He soon saw what he was looking for: the manufacturer's name, Allison.
- Mathie was looking for work after he decided to pull the plug on the 20-year-old classic emporium.
- The network is looking for something extra.
- The police might be looking for him in Rome now.
- They are looking for a product, just as surely as a shopper at the local mall is.
- The kid with the knife was looking for trouble.
- Hindsight tells me that I was looking for trouble, but-at the time I knew nothing about it.
- They were looking for trouble and they found us instead.
- "Don't be silly - you don't need to lose weight," he said, looking her up and down.
- The hotel manager slowly looked the old man up and down and then asked him to leave.
- Every day after the first two weeks I would look anxiously up and down the road, hoping to see their car.
- Raul looked him up and down, eyes opened wide with derision.
- Ron Barton looked her up and down.
- She looked him up and down.
- She stood there, looking Sherman up and down, as if she were angry.
- The eaters were lo-cals; they looked us up and down when we went in.
- The guy looked him up and down and then something clicked.
- It often looked askance at the mainland.
- No, it was not Jenny who made him look askance at the legacy.
- Sometimes they would look askance at what I had thrown on.
- The tradition that you came from often looked askance at constitutions, regarding them as mere pieces of paper.
- Yet this restatement of his views won him political support from Liberals who looked askance at this quasi-nationalization programme.
- You look awful - what's wrong?
- Every time we lose, I just feel awful inside.
- For all her cheerfulness it was painfully obvious that she was feeling awful.
- He took it away and tried to look normal but he felt awful.
- I felt awful, ill, all beaten up.
- In fact she felt awful, nauseous and light-headed and clammy.
- Oh, and did we mention the damn stuff looked awful, stunk and tasted lousy?
- The next morning I felt awful.
- Tom felt quite confident of his safety, but physically he felt awful.
- Always look on the bright side of life.
- Another is that they have an in-built bias towards optimism, always looking on the bright side of life.
- But look on the bright side: we've finally found a way of getting rid of Liverpool, too.
- By the time supper rolls around, he has even begun to look on the bright side.
- Experts believe it is all part of a wartime spirit of looking on the bright side.
- She would look on the bright side.
- Still; look on the bright side: they'd have to order another one.
- Aren't you cold?
- Come inside before you get cold.
- But no, he decided, the boss was getting colder and colder and his voice quieter.
- He was getting cold, too.
- It was getting cold in the room.
- My chips will be cold by now.
- She felt cold and sick and wished she could crawl away and lie down.
- She was afraid his skin would be cold.
- Since we were making plans to camp at Mammoth, we expected it to be cold.
- Unfortunately he, the lover, had got cold feet at the last minute.
- The lady behind the counter looked daggers at me.
- Their relationship is not free and easy but at least Red is no longer looking daggers at her.
- Amy kept crying, and everybody was giving us dirty looks.
- Frank turned round and gave me a really dirty look.
- My aunt's friends always used to give me dirty looks when I brought my kids over, because they knew I wasn't married.
- He and Kemp pound down the stairway, exchanging words.
- Hughes exchanged words with umpire Steve Randell after a confident appeal against Richie Richardson was turned down when he was on 47.
- I would hear the women exchange words with Miss Fingerstop.
- Linda buried herself in the crowd, exchanging words with this one and that and heading for the bar.
- Nurses busily went up and down, sometimes pausing to exchange words and careless laughter.
- The patients loved it and several laughed out loud at her antics, while Martha and Yvonne exchanged looks of glee.
- They exchanged looks full of sadness, as if they had both lost something.
- They exchanged words, not all of which appeared to be in jest.
- But spirited Patsy flashed a look of encouragement at him.
- Zak flashed a glance at the crew, saw me and gave me a thumbs-up sign.
- Baptiste flicked a look at Léonie.
- She flicked a glance at her watch.
- Billie had a funny look on her face.
- I thought, in my anxious state, that the orderly gave me a funny look as he left me there.
- Robbie gave her a funny look, as though she were a little peculiar for jumping into his illogical fragment of thought.
- Anders was already in his bunk, looking ghastly.
- If the old man had looked ill in the train, he looked ghastly now.
- Jacqui looked ghastly when she opened the door.
- She was sober now but she felt ghastly.
- They both looked ghastly white and tense.
- But he still remembered the hidden yawns, the glazed looks and drooping eyelids.
- Has anyone noticed that Nicolas Cage has gotten a sort of stoned-out, glazed look to him of late?
- He did not acknowledge Conroy, but hurried on down with that glazed look of some one already encased in their next entrance.
- Instead, you held your head high and let a glazed look mask your eyes.
- The knock on the head alone could not account for the glazed look in her eyes.
- They had the distended bellies and glazed eyes of famine.
- With glazed eyes he was staring into the middle distance.
- He has his father's long face, hangdog expression and lank fair hair.
- Ross was still sporting his hangdog look.
- After the inevitable posture of being affronted, I took a hard look at what I was doing.
- Blairites could take a harder look at a rhetorical vocabulary in which every single item was anticipated by totalitarianism.
- In practice, many doctors are too busy to take a long hard look at every patient.
- Instead, they take a hard look at a difficult moral and political dilemma and find no easy answers.
- Or you can take a hard look at the feminist agenda.
- Some one needs to take a long hard look at what has happened to tennis in Ulster over the last 20 years.
- The latter allows both parties a chance to stand back from the daily routine and take a harder look at overall performance.
- A sleepless night had added to her pallor and the haunted look in her eyes.
- It still had the gaunt, haunted look that had so put Meg off before.
- He looks like hell and sounds awful, but then, as he's the first to admit, he always did.
- In that case I would peak earlier and higher and then feel like hell for the rest of the day.
- We looked high and low for Sandy but couldn't find her.
- He had searched high and low for these.
- Throughout her letters, Clappe was searching high and low for a room of her own.
- You say you have looked high and low for new building sites but let me tell you there are some.
- Anyway, I just thought I'd write to suggest that we meet up at some point.
- I just think an organization like this should be hearing how the board thinks.
- I just thought something that was see through maybe on that wall would.
- I get a headache just looking at a cookbook.
- I promised myself I was just looking.
- I will spend that day in a field of black smokers, just looking.
- Similarly, you should not just look at the eyes or ears when there may be a problem here.
- We just thought - obviously very stupidly - that you might be working on something together.
- But tobacco is a wily and vengeful beast, and one not disposed to look kindly on those who jilt him.
- No skimping, and I'd look kindly on it if you'd provide her with petticoats.
- Penry was unlikely to look kindly on some one who landed on his island uninvited twice in a row.
- Her eyes were a washed-out blue with a level gaze.
- Powys & Jones have real promise but can't get a look-in.
- Torque-steer wouldn't get a look-in.
- When it comes to the 3,000 metres steeplechase, no other country gets a look-in.
- He did not reply, but got into the car glumly, with a martyred air.
- All he could produce was a stiff upper lip, while young Lady C cast meaningful looks at sturdy gamekeeper Mellors.
- Benjamin indicated with meaningful glances at me that this stark, sombre evening was such an appropriate time.
- But this time he drew out his knife and showed it to me with a meaningful glance.
- Lots of meaningful glances and repressed passion as only the Victorians knew how.
- They exchanged meaningful glances from time to time - and it was apparent that his brother was as troubled as he by the disturbing events.
- I felt like a million dollars.
- She cast a murderous look over his hard male profile.
- She had stopped giving me murderous looks and seemed quite bright-eyed as we got ourselves ready to leave the ship.
- Certainly the lateral geniculate nucleus in rats looks nothing like the lateral geniculate nucleus in monkeys.
- It's classed as being a conifer but it looks nothing like one.
- Remember that the intermediate stored pattern may be pretty abstract, looking nothing like the input pattern.
- She insisted that I looked nothing like Majella.
- She looked nothing like her photograph.
- The problem is that in its juvenile form it looks nothing like the adult specimen.
- The zone blitz can fluster an offense because it looks nothing like a conventional blitz.
- This suspect looks nothing like Nichols, a slightly built, light-skinned man in his 40s with thinning hair.
- We manoeuvre in the world constantly looking out for Number One.
- After five months in the hospital, I'm feeling like my old self again.
- As you began again, all of us around you exchanged more pained looks.
- He assumed a pained expression and averted his eyes.
- He finally looked at Cantor, a pained expression on his face.
- His mouth was set in a prim, pained expression of disapproval.
- Larry, my stepfather, sits stiffly with a pained expression on his face.
- Rex made with the crossed eyes and suitably pained expression.
- The ubiquitous man with the pained expression vanishes.
- You noticed a vaguely pained expression enter Jackson's eyes, as if he was wondering why nothing ever proved simple.
- Certainly with his long, jet-black, forked beard, he looked the part.
- Clarke played four of the five tests this season at inside centre without quite looking the part.
- It was, she discovered, easier to look the part than to feel it.
- Morris's contribution to this match is unlikely to find much space in Wisden, but he already looks the part.
- Not that he looked the part.
- The Big Hurt already looks the part of a legendary slugger.
- This has recently reached Volume 4 and now really looks the part.
- Although most people would have stared at his nose Adam was more struck by his penetrating eyes.
- He was from Fukien province, was missionary-trained, and had bright, penetrating eyes.
- Matron was equally dignified, with a towering cap of white linen and a penetrating gaze.
- Nomatterwhat she did to distract herself, his dark penetrating eyes lingered in her memory as though they'd been branded there.
- Take a long hard, and penetrating look into the way you handle your life and the pattern of your partnerships in general.
- The woman scrutinized me from across the office, holding her penetrating gaze as I walked toward her.
- They were the blackest, brightest, most penetrating eyes I ever saw...
- The other smiled at him a pitying smile.
- As he left the office he locked it behind him, with a pointed look at Bob.
- Out in the field, we looked like a bunch of drowned rats.
- You were looking like a drowned rat after our little foray into Puddephat's rooms.
- It looks rough and unfinished: the corpses probably stir underground during the night.
- Lightly trim the grass using a sharp mower if the surface is looking rough, but do not cut it short.
- She did look ill, and Tippy looked rough at the best of times.
- Crouched down beside it, Delaney took another searching glance behind him, at the lifeless, cluttered room.
- Guy led Chalon back on to the road, casting another searching glance up at Isabel's closed face.
- Soul searching Look no further for a hot new boy band.
- The searching gaze was too much for Denis.
- Although the costumes look sharp, the set is bare-bones and nondescript.
- Come on, boys, look sharp.
- He's been training hard and looks sharp.
- Hobert looked sharp, completing 10 of 13 passes.
- So you can expect the geometric pattern lounge carpet to look sharp in years to come.
- They will look sharp for signs of senility and increasing pain-will they perhaps even hope for them?
- I woke up with a hangover and felt like shit for the rest of the day.
- And it used to make me feel like shit to hear that.
- Everytime I am about to go to a cup match I imagine myself travelling back home feeling like shit.
- Here goes ... I expected to look like shit but this was ridiculous.
- I try to think of nice ways to comment on his appearance without saying he looks like shit.
- It's a terrible thing to be told that and then to do what the director says and it feels like shit.
- The school made you feel like shit.
- We really do look like shit.
- You looked like shit the other night.
- He shot me a look brimful of amusement, then drained his cup and sat back in the chair.
- Joyce shot her a look in which surprise and indignation were nicely fused.
- Mandy shot her a look of pure astonishment.
- Nick and I shot a conspiratorial look at each other: this time we would refuse to fight.
- She shot a worried glance down to the bottom of the yard.
- The team shot quizzical glances at their new addition but made no move to get rid of him.
- I am looking over my shoulder.
- So, reading through this book, you feel as thought Alwyn is looking over your shoulder, egging you on.
- Two snub-nosed bristle-headed boys were looking over my shoulder in bright-eyed interest.
- You were looking over your shoulder waiting for the knock on the door.
- Afterwards, in the changing room, everyone shoots sidelong glances at Lil.
- But a few sidelong glances revealed them to be He-Shes.
- I cast a sidelong glance, to see if she's noticed.
- Pleased faces, sidelong glances seeking agreement.
- She cast a sidelong glance at Fen.
- A stream that looked small on the map had grown to be about 15 feet across.
- Corrigan felt small beads of sweat run from his armpits down his sides.
- Darren, looking small and extremely disgruntled, was slumped in the front left-hand seat.
- It makes him feel small and worthless.
- No to make me look small, that's her object!
- Ruth felt small and insecure, as if she were a child again.
- She stood trembling, staring at the blank window, feeling smaller than a baby.
- Babur sneaks a look at the policewoman.
- I sneaked a look at my medical report; slow heartbeat, low metabolism.
- I sneaked a look behind as we went off in a cloud of dust.
- Just before we left, I raised up to straighten my coat and sneaked a look at the McLaren girl.
- Men sneak looks all the time!
- Occasionally they sneak glances at the businessmen -- who look back at them in mutual amazement and fear.
- Only the men would sneak glances at her, admiring the shapely figure showing in the plain uniform.
- The chairman sneaks a look at some of the messages on Doreen's card.
- He was just gazing into space.
- In his study, Bernard Quex stared into space, pen motionless over his notepad.
- Mrs Frizzell gazed into space and Mrs Murphy smoothed back errant curls from her damp forehead.
- Mrs James caught me staring into space twice even though the girl sitting next to me had nudged me in time.
- My companion remained oblivious to the sights, staring into space and frowning.
- Rachel screamed and woke up, drenched with sweat, shaking, staring into space.
- Sometimes the door was ajar and I would see her sitting absolutely still, staring into space, not reading at all.
- Usually, after a performance I come home and stare into space.
- He stole a glance at her.
- Jenna stole a look at him and he was watching her intently, in every way intent.
- She stole a glance at him; his features matched the ice in his tone and his eyes surpassed it.
- She stole a glance from her future and turned her head.
- "You need to get more exercise." "Look who's talking!"
- And that made Hanson throw a mean look.
- Ezra threw Morrill a look of utter disbelief and shook his head.
- He dropped his hand, he threw a look right, then left.
- He ignored her and threw a hard look at me: I better not tell.
- He sensed more than heard the scuffle of trainer shoes on concrete behind him and threw a casual glance over his shoulder.
- I gasped at her beauty and, like the rest, threw envious glances at her most fortunate husband.
- Mark, too, could be thrown a second glance every now and then.
- The nurse was aware of her humiliation and kept throwing sympathetic glances.
- As usual, she looked a treat.
- Don't he look a treat!
- I bet it works a treat.
- I must say, Gwen, your garden looks a treat.
- I repeated a few times, and it worked a treat - on a window as well.
- It's another first-rate conversion that works a treat on the Game Gear.
- Much funnier than Tarzan or Hercules, this works a treat because the hero, Emperor Kuzco, is an anti-hero.
- Brittany, the blond cheerleader, has a vacant stare and huge eyelashes.
- But an oddly vacant look had come over Cinzia's features.
- Eyes downcast; baby lips pulled into a frown; dull, vacant stare.
- He was a bright-eyed boy, thin and fair, with a vacant expression that often gave way to shrill laughter.
- He was looking round with a vacant look on his face and I was frightened.
- However, just behind the vacant expression he offered me, I detected fear.
- The maid's vacant expression was replaced momentarily by one of greedy expectation - shortly followed by disappointment.
- Charles turned abruptly round and gave his wife a withering look as reporters homed in on the pair.
- The dark-haired vibrancer caught him staring and gave him a withering look.
We sneaked out while Jessie’s mom wasn’t looking. If you look carefully you can see that the painting represents a human figure. Gina covered her eyes, afraid to look.look at ‘It’s time we left,’ Ian said, looking at his watch. The men all turned to look at her as she entered the room.look away/over/down etc Dad looked up from his paper and smiled. ‘We can’t go out in this weather,’ said Bob, looking out of the window.GRAMMAR: Prepositions with look• You look at someone or something: · She was looking at the baby.· I looked at the screen. ✗Don’t say: She was looking to the baby. | I looked to the screen.• If you look to someone, you depend on them: · He always looked to his father for advice.2search [intransitive] to try to find something: I looked everywhere but Jimmy was nowhere to be found.look for Could you help me look for my contact lens? If you’re looking for a bargain, try the local market.look in/under/between etc Try looking under the bed.3seem [linking verb] to seem: From the way things look at the moment, the Republicans are unlikely to win this election.look good/bad etc The future’s looking good.it looks as if/as though/like (=it seems likely that) It looks as if it might rain later. It looks like they won’t be needing us anymore. You made me look really stupid in front of all my friends!4appearance [linking verb] to have a particular appearance: How do I look?look tired/happy/sad etc You look tired. You should go to bed.look as if/as though/like He looked as if he hadn’t washed for a week. What did the man look like? My sister doesn’t look anything like me. → look like a million dollars at million(4)GRAMMAR: Linking verbsLook is a linking verb in meanings 3 and 4. This type of verb links the subject of the sentence with an adjective or noun: · It looks windy outside.· You look beautiful.· She made him look a fool.5look daggers at somebody informal to look at someone with a very angry expression on your face6look somebody up and down to look at someone carefully from their head to their feet, as if you are forming an opinion about them7look somebody in the eye to look directly at someone when you are speaking to them, especially to show that you are not afraid of them or that you are telling the truth: Owen didn’t dare look his father in the eye.8look down your nose at somebody/something to behave as if you think that someone or something is not good enough for you: He looks down his nose at anyone foreign.9look the other way to ignore something bad that is happening and not try to stop it: Prison guards looked the other way as the man was attacked by fellow prisoners.10look no further used to say that something you are offering is exactly what someone has been trying to find: Want a quiet country retreat for your weekend break? Then look no further!11face a direction [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a building looks in a particular direction, it faces that direction: The cabin looks east, so we get the morning sun.12look before you leap used to say that it is sensible to think about the possible dangers or difficulties of something before doing it13be looking to do something informal to be planning or expecting to do something: We’re looking to buy a new car early next year.14look under the bonnet British English, look under the hood American English to look at or find out about the less noticeable features of something: Look under the bonnet of the company before investing in it.SPOKEN PHRASES15look a)used to tell someone to look at something that you think is interesting, surprising etc: Look! There’s a fox! b)used to get someone’s attention so that you can suggest something or tell them something: Look. Why don’t you think about it and give me your answer tomorrow? Look, I’ve had enough of this. I’m going home.16look out! used to warn someone that they are in danger SYN watch out: Look out! There’s a car coming.17 look at that! used to tell someone to look at something that you think is interesting, bad etc: Look at that! What a horrible mess!18look who’s here! used when someone arrives unexpectedly: Well, look who’s here! It’s Jill and Paul!19don’t look now used to say that you have seen someone but do not want them to know you have noticed them: Oh no! Don’t look now but here comes Tony.20 look what you’re doing/look where you’re going etc used to tell someone to be careful: Look where you’re putting your feet! There’s mud all over the carpet!21look what you’ve done! used to angrily tell someone to look at the result of a mistake they have made or something bad they have done: Look what you’ve done – my jacket’s ruined!22 look here old-fashioned used to get someone’s attention in order to tell them something, especially when you are annoyed with them: Look here, you can’t say things like that to me!23(I’m) just looking used when you are in a shop, to say that you are only looking at things, but do not intend to buy anything now: ‘Can I help you?’ ‘No, thanks. I’m just looking.’ → look kindly on somebody/something at kindly1(3)GRAMMARYou say: · I’m looking forward to your visit. ✗Don’t say: I’m looking forward for your visit. | I’m looking forward your visit.THESAURUSlook to turn your eyes towards someone or something, so that you can see them: · You should never look directly at the sun.· After a while, he turned and looked at me.have/take a look especially spoken to look at something quickly, especially in order to find or check something: · I’ll have a look in my desk.· Take a look at this!glance to look at someone or something for a short time and then look quickly away: · Damien glanced nervously at his watch.peek/peep (also take a peek/peep) to look quickly at something – used especially when you are not supposed to look, or when you are looking through a small gap: · The door was open so he peeked inside.· Katy peeped at her birthday present on the table.peer to look very carefully, especially because you cannot see well: · Kenji was peering at the screen.glare to look at someone in an angry way: · She glared at me as I got up to leave.stare to look at someone or something for a long time without moving your eyes: · It’s rude to stare.· She stared straight into the camera.gaze to look at someone or something for a long time, often without realizing that you are doing it: · She gazed out of the window.· He lay on his bed gazing at the ceiling.gape to look at someone or something for a long time, usually with your mouth open, because you are very shocked or surprised: · People gaped at him with wide-open mouths.regard formal to look at someone or something, especially in a particular way: · He regarded her steadily.look after somebody/something phrasal verb especially British English1to take care of someone by helping them, giving them what they need, or keeping them safe SYN take care of: Don’t worry, I’ll look after the kids tomorrow. Susan looked after us very well. She’s an excellent cook. You could tell that the horse had been well looked after.2to be responsible for dealing with something SYN take care of: I’m leaving you here to look after the business until I get back.3look after yourself spoken used when you are saying goodbye to someone in a friendly way4can look after yourself to not need anyone else to take care of you: Don’t worry about Maisie – she can look after herself.look ahead phrasal verb to think about and plan for what might happen in the future: Looking ahead, we must expect radical changes to be made in our system of government.look around (also look round British English) phrasal verb1to try to find somethinglook around for Jason’s going to start looking around for a new job.2look around/round (something) to look at what is in a place such as a building, shop, town etc, especially when you are walking: Do we have to pay to look around the castle? Let’s look round the shops.look at somebody/something phrasal verb1to turn your eyes towards someone or something, so that you can see them: The twins looked at each other and smiled.2to read something quickly in order to form an opinion of it: I really can’t comment on the report – I haven’t had time to look at it yet.3to examine something and try to find out what is wrong with it: You should get the doctor to look at that cut. Can you look at my car? There’s a strange noise coming from the front wheel.4to study and think about something, especially in order to decide what to do: We need to look very carefully at ways of improving our efficiency.5look at somebody/something spoken used to mention someone or something as an example: You don’t have to be smart to be good at music – look at Gary.6to think about something in a particular way SYN see: I’d like to be friends again, but Richard doesn’t look at it that way.7not much to look at informal if someone or something is not much to look at, they are not attractivelook back phrasal verb1to think about something that happened in the pastlook back on/to When I look back on those days I realize I was desperately unhappy. Looking back on it, I still can’t figure out what went wrong.2never look back to become more and more successful, especially after a particular success: After winning the scholarship he never looked back.look down on something/somebody phrasal verb to think that you are better than someone else, for example because you are more successful, or of a higher social class than they are: Mr Garcia looks down on anyone who hasn’t had a college education.look for somebody/something phrasal verb1to try to find something that you have lost, or someone who is not where they should be SYN search for: I’m looking for Steve – have you seen him? Detectives are still looking for the escaped prisoner. → search2(1)2be looking for somebody/something to be trying to find a particular kind of thing or person: I’m sorry, we’re really looking for someone with no family commitments.be (just) what/who you are looking for ‘Salubrious’! That’s just the word I was looking for.3be looking for trouble informal to be behaving in a way that makes it likely that problems or violence will happen: They walked into a bar looking for trouble.look forward to something phrasal verb to be excited and pleased about something that is going to happen: I’m really looking forward to our vacation.look forward to doing something My mother says she’s looking forward to meeting you.look in phrasal verb informal to make a short visit to someone, while you are going somewhere else, especially if they are ill or need help SYN drop in, call inlook in on I promised to look in on Dad and see if he’s feeling any better.look into something phrasal verb to try to find out the truth about a problem, crime etc in order to solve it SYN investigate: Police are looking into the disappearance of two children.look on phrasal verb1to watch something happening, without being involved in it or trying to stop it: Only one man tried to help us, the rest just looked on in silence.2look on somebody/something (also look upon somebody/something) to consider someone or something in a particular way, or as a particular thinglook on as I look on him as a good friend.look on with Strangers to the village are looked upon with a mixture of fear and suspicion.look something ↔ out phrasal verb to search for and find a particular thing among your possessions: I’ll look out some of my old books for you.look out for somebody/something phrasal verb1to pay attention to what is happening around you, so that you will notice a particular person or thing if you see them: Look out for your Aunt while you’re at the station. He’s looking out for a nice apartment downtown.2to try to make sure that someone is treated well: My older brother always looked out for me when we were kids.look out for yourself/number one (=think only of the advantages you can get for yourself)look something/somebody ↔ over phrasal verb to examine something or someone quickly, without paying much attention to detail: Do you have a few minutes to look these samples over?look round phrasal verb British English to look aroundlook through somebody/something phrasal verb1to look for something among a pile of papers, in a drawer, in someone’s pockets etc SYN go through: I’ve looked through all my papers but I still can’t find the contract.2to not notice or pretend to not notice someone you know, even though you see themlook straight/right through somebody I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me.look to somebody/something phrasal verb1to depend on someone to provide help, advice etclook to for We look to you for support.look to somebody to do something They’re looking to the new manager to make the company profitable.2to pay attention to something, especially in order to improve it: We must look to our defences.look up phrasal verb1if a situation is looking up, it is improving SYN improve, get better: Now the summer’s here things are looking up!2 look something ↔ up if you look up information in a book, on a computer etc, you try to find it there: Look the word up in your dictionary. I’ll just look up the train times.3 look somebody ↔ up to visit someone you know, especially when you are in the place where they live for a different reason: Don’t forget to look me up when you come to Atlanta.look up to somebody phrasal verb to admire or respect someone: I’ve always looked up to Bill for his courage and determination.look1 verblook2 noun
looklook2 ●●● S1 W1 noun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A look of relief crossed his face.
- After winning, she had a look of pure joy on her face.
- Computer graphics gave the creature a watery look.
- From the look of it, I'd say the chair was about 100 years old, maybe 150.
- He's trying for a '70s disco look.
- He normally wore a slightly amused look on his round face.
- Her long straight hair and dark eye make-up give her a sort of late-'60s look.
- Here's a brief look at some of the problems we'll be facing in the coming year.
- I was getting disapproving looks from the people around me.
- Mrs. Moody had it in for me - I could tell by the look in her eyes.
- Sapporo, Japan, has the look of a Wisconsin city in winter.
- Sarah needed only one look at her daughter's face to know something was wrong.
- She's been giving me dirty looks all morning. What have I done wrong?
- She has a pensive, almost sad look about her.
- Sheila nodded and gave him a sympathetic look.
- The text is fine but the look of the page is all wrong.
- You should have seen the look on his face when I told him I was leaving.
- A look passed between the two men as George took the loafers.
- A kiss-and-tell look behind the scenes of a sport always turns heads with book publishers.
- As he passed the window, he saw Percy standing at the cash register with a hurt look.
- Oh, well ... You will have a look at the lines over the weekend, won't you?
- She learnt a look and a posture and a set of adjectives which passed for being hip in the Village.
- When the shrieks of his gang became too much, he lifted his hand and his face took on a furious look.
THESAURUS
an act of looking at something: · Let me have a look at the map.· I took a quick look around the room.
a quick look at something before looking away again: · Susan cast a quick glance at me (=she looked quickly at me).· He could not resist a sidelong glance (=quickly looking to the side) to see what was happening on the other side of the road.
a short look at someone or something in which you do not see them very clearly: · Fans were hoping to catch a glimpse of the singer as he left the hotel.· I had only a fleeting glimpse (=a very quick look) of the two men as they ran away.
a long steady look: · Eddie fixed his gaze on the floor.· She looked up and met his gaze (=looked at him when he was looking at her).
a long direct look, especially in an unfriendly way or in a way that shows you are surprised: · He was watching me with a cold stare.· My cheery ‘Good Morning’ was met with a blank stare (=a stare which shows no emotion).
an angry look at someone: · She gave him a hostile glare as he entered the room.
a confused or annoyed look: · ‘Anyway,’ she said with a frown, ‘I don’t see how there could be a connection.’
Longman Language Activatorto look at somebody or something to turn your eyes towards something so that you can see it: · Look, there are some swans on the river.look at: · "Come on, it's time to go," he said, looking at his watch.· Look at me when I'm talking to you.look into/out of/through/down etc: · Tom looked out the window over the dry, barren landscape.· I always look through the peephole before I open the door for anyone.· The teacher stopped and looked around to see if there were any questions.look at somebody/something in amazement/disbelief/surprise etc (=in a way that shows you are surprised or shocked): · "You were a hippie?" she asked, looking at her father in disbelief.
especially spoken to look at something, especially something interesting or unusual: · "I think there's something wrong with the car." "Do you want me to have a look?"take a look/have a look at: · We climbed to the top of the tower to have a look at the view.· "You'd better take a look at this," she said, passing me a letter.take/have a good look (=look very carefully): · Take a good look at the pictures and tell me if anyone looks familiar.take/have a close look (=look at something very closely): · He moved to the front of the crowd to have a closer look at the animal.
to quickly look at the details of someone or something, especially before you officially agree to buy it, use it etc: look over somebody/something: · We looked over several apartments before finally choosing this one.· If you want, I can look over your English homework for you.look somebody/something etc over: · Would you care to look the document over before you sign?· Jessica hated the way the men in the bar looked her over.
to look at someone or something extremely carefully, especially because you want to find its faults or mistakes: · When the police examined the gun, they found Wright's fingerprints on it.· A team of investigators is examining the crash site.examine something closely (=to examine very carefully): · Before buying an antique, examine it closely to avoid buying a fake.examine somebody/something for something: · The video shows women how to examine their breasts for cancer.
walk around a place in order to look at it, especially so that you can decide what your opinion about it is: view a house/garden/exhibition etc: · A few journalists were allowed to view the art exhibition the day before it opened.· I'd like to make an appointment to view the house on Clement Street that's for sale.
to look at something and think how beautiful or impressive it is: · I was just admiring your lovely garden.· We stopped at the top of the mountain to admire the view.
to look for a long time to look directly at someone or something for a long time, without moving your eyes: · It's not polite to stare, you know.stare at: · Why are you staring at me like that?· She stared at the page for several minutes, trying to understand.· Ron kept silent and stared down at his food.stare into/out of etc: · When he's depressed, he just sits there, staring off into space.stare back (at somebody) (=stare at someone who is staring at you): · Everyone turned to look at him, and he stared stonily back.stare (at somebody/something) in amazement/horror/disbelief etc (=in a way that shows you are surprised or shocked): · Donna stared in horror as the man fell to the floor.stare somebody down (=stare at someone until they stop staring at you): · Fenton stood tall and stared down the gunmen.
to look at something or someone for a long time, especially with a feeling of love or great pleasure - used especially in stories and literature: gaze at: · I lay back on the sand and gazed at the stars above.· Ruth gazed down at the sleeping child.gaze out/into/through etc: · He stopped talking suddenly and gazed into the distance.· She sat gazing out the windows at the people walking by.
to look at someone or something for a long time, especially with your mouth open, because you are very surprised or shocked: · People stopped to gape as she walked down the street in a see-through mini-dress.gape at: · She stood there gaping at me, too shocked to speak.gape in amazement/horror etc: · I could only gape in astonishment as I saw the man take the bottle from the shelf and put it under his coat.
also gawp British to look at someone in a rude or annoying way, for example because they look unusual or are doing something unusual: · Tourists walked around gawking at the people in traditional costumes.· I wanted to kill the morons who had gathered around me, gawping and pointing.
to look at someone or something with interest or because you do not trust them: · Mavis eyed the old sewing machine. "Does this still work?" she asked.· The two teams eyed each other warily, waiting for the game to begin.
to look very carefully at someone's body and the clothes they are wearing, especially because you do not know them and you are trying to form an opinion of them: · The hotel manager slowly looked the old man up and down and then asked him to leave.· "Don't be silly - you don't need to lose weight," he said, looking her up and down.
to look quickly to look quickly at someone or something and then look away again: glance at: · Dr Morse kept glancing nervously at his watch.· "Some of you may not be happy about what I have to say," he began, glancing at Janey.glance into/down/through etc: · Glancing into Neil's room, she noticed that his suitcase was packed.
to look at something quickly in order to check that everything is satisfactory: take a quick look/have a quick look at/around/through etc: · He took a quick look in the mirror, and went out of the house.· She had a quick look around the room before letting the guests in.
to look at something quickly and secretly, especially from a place where you cannot be seen: · When I heard the noise in the next room, I couldn't resist having a peek.peek/take a peek at: · The little girl peeked at me from behind her grandmother's skirt.peek/take a peek in/into/through/over etc: · We tip-toed into the room and peeked in the crib without waking the baby.· She opened the door and took a quick peek inside.
especially British to look at something quickly and secretly, especially from a place where you cannot be seen: peep through/into/round: · Bobby peeped around the corner to see if anyone was coming.· We peeped through a crack in the fence and saw Mrs Finley talking to a strange-looking man.
to look quickly at someone or something that you have not seen before, and immediately decide what your opinion of them is: · They opened the door to the room, took one look, and decided to go to another hotel.take one look at: · She took one look at me and said she would not work with me.· The teacher took one look at his homework and told him he would have to redo it.
to look angrily to look angrily at someone: · He sat there in silence, glaring angrily.glare at: · "You can go if you want, but I'm staying," Denise said glaring at him.glare toward/across/around etc: · Claude put down his fork and glared across the table.
especially British to look at someone very angrily, as if you would like to hurt them: · When I asked him what he'd done with the money he just looked daggers at me and refused to speak.· Julie must have heard you talking about her, because she was looking daggers at you from the next table.
also give somebody a black/filthy look British to quickly look at someone angrily to show that you are angry with them, especially in a situation when you cannot tell them that you are angry: · I don't know what I did to upset her, but she gave me a really filthy look when I walked into the meeting.· My aunt's friends always used to give me dirty looks when I brought my kids over, because they knew I wasn't married.
to look at someone in an angry way, or make an angry, unhappy expression with your face: · Jane scowled and told them to get out.· "What do you want?" said the old man, scowling.scowl at: · What are you scowling at me for? You asked me to wake you up.
to look at someone or something with an annoyed, confused, or disapproving expression on your face: · The teacher frowned at him and asked him to sit down.· When I got back to the table, Carolyn was frowning at the check.· "Sibling rivalry?" she asked, frowning at his use of psychological terms.
use this when you are telling someone how another person looked at you in a very angry way, and you found this funny or frightening: · You should've seen her face when she realized what I'd done - if looks could kill!
to look hard and with difficulty to look hard at something that you find difficult to see, and make your eyes narrower to try and see better: · Bring your glasses or you'll have to squint through the whole movie.squint at: · She squinted at the sign but couldn't read what it said.squint through/over/into etc: · Driving down the narrow country road, Blackthorne squinted into the darkness.
to look with difficulty at someone or something, especially because you cannot see very well or there is not enough light: peer through/into/out etc: · Roger peered into the dark corridor to see what was making the noise.peer at: · She adjusted her glasses and peered at the man.
informal to try to make it easier to see something by almost closing your eyes, especially because the light is too bright or because what you are looking at is very small: · You have to screw up your eyes to see the figure in the bottom left of the picture.
to look at a lot of things you might buy, read, etc to walk around a shop or market or a place where tourists go, looking at a lot of different things: · I just want to take a quick look around and see if there's anything I want.· He makes a list of what he needs and then walks into the store and buys it, without looking around at all.· You're welcome to have a look around. We have a wide range of sportswear.
to spend time looking at things in a shop, especially books or records, without intending to buy anything: · Armando spent the afternoon browsing in Camden market.browse through: · He found Jill in the gallery shop silently browsing through some books.
the activity of looking at goods in shop windows without intending to buy anything: · We didn't have any money but we enjoyed window-shopping in Fifth Avenue.go window-shopping: · Sometimes I go window-shopping after work.
spoken say this to tell someone who works in a shop that you are only looking at things, and you do not intend to buy anything just now: · "Can I help you?" "No thanks, I'm just looking."
to look at someone in a way that shows you are sexually interested in them to look and smile at someone in a way that shows a strong sexual interest, especially so that people feel a little frightened, embarrassed, or offended: · "Hey, baby. Do you like what you see?" he said, leering.leer at: · The old man leered suggestively at the waitress.· Stopping his work for a second, the garage attendant leered at the girls in the car.
to look at someone in an offensive way that shows you are sexually attracted to their body: · A group of men were ogling her from a bench across the street.· The beach was full of teenage boys who had come to ogle the girls in bikinis.
British informal to look at someone in a way that shows that you are sexually interested in them: eye somebody up/eye up somebody: · I'm not sure if he's eyeing me up or just staring at me.· Those two have been eyeing each other up all evening.
to make it clear to someone that you are sexually attracted to them by looking at them in a way that gets their attention: · Did you see those two making eyes at each other across the table?
to stop looking at someone or something to turn your eyes away from something that you were looking at: · The accident scene was so horrible that I had to look away.· The minute he looked away, I crumpled the piece of paper and shoved it in my coat pocket.look away from: · She looked away from him, unable to tell him the truth
to stop looking at something and turn your face upwards, in order to see someone or talk to them: · There was a loud bang outside the classroom, and we all looked up.look up from: · "Goodbye, then," she said, without even looking up from her book.
also look round British to turn your eyes away from what you were looking at and start to look at what is around you: · Alan put down his newspaper and looked around, "What was that noise?"· The speaker finished her speech and looked round to see if there were any questions.
to stop looking at someone or something by turning your face in another direction, especially because you are embarrassed or upset: · He burped loudly, and she turned her face away in disgust.turn your face away from: · Turning his face away from her, Glen began to cry.
formal to deliberately turn your eyes away from what you are looking at, because you do not want to look at it any longer: · The two averted their eyes as they passed each other in the hall.· When Celia dropped her robe, Richard averted his gaze and stepped back awkwardly.
the way someone or something looks · A layer of sand will give a natural appearance to the bottom of the aquarium.somebody's/something's appearance · I wish she'd do something about her appearance - she's always such a mess.· Concentrate on the content of your essay, not its appearance.appearance of · The military activity was in stark contrast to the peaceful appearance of the islands.have the appearance of somebody/something (=look similar to someone or something) · The waitress, although she was only about 40, had the appearance of a very old woman.in appearance · The mushrooms are similar in appearance to poisonous one, so you have to be careful.judge by appearances (=make decisions based on how someone or something looks) · Judging by appearances, things are back to normal.
someone's appearance, especially when considering how good-looking they are. Looks is less formal than appearance: somebody's looks: · Girls of that age are always worried about their looks.· Emily had refused to marry him on account of his looks.good looks (=a good-looking appearance): · People generally describe him as having boyish good looks.keep/lose your (good) looks (=remain or stop being good-looking): · She was 20 years older now, but had managed to keep her looks.
the appearance of something, especially an appearance that has been deliberately planned or made: look of: · The text is fine but the look of the page is all wrong.have the look of (=look similar to someone or something): · Sapporo, Japan, has the look of a Wisconsin city in winter.by/from the look of something (=judging by its appearance): · From the look of it, I'd say the chair was about 100 years old, maybe 150.the Bohemian/Versace/1960s etc look: · Her long straight hair and dark eye make-up give her a sort of late-'60s look.
the appearance and character that someone deliberately tries to produce by dressing or behaving in a particular way: · I like her new image - it's a lot more dignified.· He doesn't really need those glasses - they're just part of his "intellectual" image.image of: · Since I started working in this company, I have tried to maintain the image of a winner.image as: · The scandal has badly hurt her image as an honest politician.
to have a particular appearance · Doesn't she look beautiful!· That coat looks nice and warm. Where did you get it?· The cake didn't look very good, but it tasted all right.· With his dark hair and dark eyes he looked Italian.· I'm glad you've shaved off that beard. It makes you look ten years younger!
to have an appearance that is similar to someone or something else: · She looks a bit like my sister.· They just look like ordinary people to me.· In the moonlight the plane looked like a huge eagle soaring across the sky.
to look at someone in a disapproving way informal to look quickly and angrily at someone in a way that shows you disapprove strongly of what they have said or done: · Frank turned round and gave me a really dirty look.
to look slightly unhappy or annoyed, because you disapprove of something: · Mr Bonner frowned and pursed his lips, but said nothing.frown at: · Mrs Gold frowned at the children, who were getting mud all over their clothes.
to look at someone in a way that shows that you are very angry with them: · Roger glared angrily at her across the dinner table.
to examine something to look at something carefully and thoroughly because you want to find out more about it: · Experts who examined the painting believe it is genuine.· Her new book examines the causes of social discontent.· A team of divers was sent down to examine the wreckage.examine something for something (=in order to find something): · The police will examine the weapon for fingerprints.
to look carefully at something in order to see small details: · If you look carefully, you can see the artist's name in the corner of the picture.look carefully/closely at: · I had to look closely at the two fish to tell them apart.
especially spoken to look carefully at something in order to find out what is wrong with it or to find out something about it: · "You'd better take a look at this," she said, passing me a letter.· I've asked Ken to have a look at the car - it's been making strange noises.take/have a good look at something (=look very carefully and thoroughly): · Take a good look at the photograph and see if you recognize anyone
also analyse British to examine something closely and in detail, especially a problem or a piece of information, in order to understand it: · Scientists use computers to help analyse the data.· One of the problems in analyzing the situation is that we do not have all the information yet.
to spend a lot of time examining something very carefully, for example a document, a plan, or a problem: · I won't comment till I've had time to study the proposals.· A team of scientists has been studying the effects of acid rain over a twenty-year period.
to look at something carefully and thoroughly to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly: · Their passports were checked by immigration officers at the airport.check something for something (=in order to find something): · We need to check the building for structural damage.
to quickly examine every part of something to make sure that it is correct or safe: check over something: · The editor always checks over what I've written.check something over: · I'm going to take the car in and ask the mechanic to check it over before we go on vacation.
to look at something carefully and thoroughly to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly, especially when it is your job to do this: · The building is regularly inspected by a fire-safety officer.· Russian and American teams will have the right to inspect each other's missile sites.· Some insurance people have already been here to inspect the damage caused by the storm.inspect something for something (=in order to find something): · All trucks coming through are inspected for mechanical violations.
to examine something such as a document or plan thoroughly from beginning to end, especially in order to check that it is correct: · I'd like to go over last month's accounts with you.· You should still go through the contract with a lawyer before you sign.
to look at every part of something in order to see if it is satisfactory, but fairly quickly and without paying much attention to detail: look over something: · I've looked over all the records and they seem okay.look something over: · The book is expensive, so look it over to make sure it's what you really want.
also scrutinise British to examine something very closely and carefully in order to find out whether there is anything wrong, especially because it is your official duty to do this: · The coach's assistants stood along the field and scrutinized every move we made.· The Federal Trade Commission is scrutinizing the proposed merger of the two companies.
the expression on someone's face · His expression became serious as he listened to her story.expression of · "I'm not eating it," Maria said, with an expression of disgust on her face.wear an expression (=have an expression) · Wearing an expression of utter boredom, Harry turned back to his book.expression on somebody's face · The expression on her face told me that she didn't want to discuss it.
an expression on your face that shows what you are feeling: · She has a pensive, almost sad look about her.look of: · A look of relief crossed his face.give somebody a look: · Sheila nodded and gave him a sympathetic look.a look of something on somebody's face: · After winning, she had a look of pure joy on her face.the look on somebody's face (=someone's expression, especially an angry, shocked or disappointed expression): · You should have seen the look on his face when I told him I was leaving.look in somebody's eyes: · Mrs. Moody had it in for me - I could tell by the look in her eyes.dirty look (=an expression of disapproval or anger): · She's been giving me dirty looks all morning. What have I done wrong?wear a look (= have a particular expression): · He normally wore a slightly amused look on his round face.
showing a particular expression on your face: sad-faced/grim-faced/solemn-faced: · A grim-faced doctor gave Marge the bad news.stony-faced/stone-faced/stern-faced (=with a very serious expression that shows little emotion): · Mr. Tanaka sat stone-faced, as if he could not hear the complaints.straight-faced (=without smiling, especially when you are lying or saying something funny): · He told us straight-faced that he was thinking of running for president.ashen-faced/gray-faced/white-faced (=looking very pale and upset, ill, or frightened): · He returned from the meeting ashen-faced and shaken, saying he had to go home.red-faced (=having a red face because you are embarrassed or angry): · Myra still gets red-faced when she remembers the speech.
to look for someone or something when you do not know where they are to try to find something that you have lost, or someone who is not in the place where you expected them to be: · I'm looking for Simon -- have you seen him?· I've been looking everywhere for that key! Where did you find it?
to look for someone or something, especially when it is difficult to find them: · Jill was up in the attic trying to find her old school books.· I tried to find Jack to tell him the news, but he wasn't anywhere around.
especially spoken to look for someone or something, especially when you do it quickly or when you only look in one place: · "I can't find my shoes." "Have a look in your bedroom."have a look for: · I had a look for Clive but he wasn't in his office.have a quick look: · I'll just have a quick look for that book before we go.have a good look (=look carefully and thoroughly): · We don't have time to find it now - we'll have a good look in the morning.
to look carefully and thoroughly for someone or something, especially when it is very important that you find them: · Coastguards are still searching for survivors from the ship.· Friends and neighbours joined police officers to search for clues.
especially spoken if you go in search of someone or something, you go somewhere in order to find them: go/set off in search of: · She stayed and talked for a while, then went off in search of Flynn.
to look urgently and thoroughly for someone or something in every possible place: · Friends and neighbors hunted everywhere, but no-one could find the child.hunt for: · I hunted all morning for the book of photos, but couldn't find it.
to read something quickly to read something quickly so that you get a general idea of what it is about: · I skimmed the newspaper but didn't see any report on the demonstration.skim through: · She didn't have much time so she just skimmed through the report before the meeting.
to read something quickly in order to find a particular piece of information: · She scanned the menu outside the restaurant, but decided it looked too expensive.scan something for something: · Robert scanned the lists for his name.
British /take a look at American to read something quickly to check that there are no mistakes or problems: · Would you mind having a look at this report for me?· I've had a quick look at the insurance contract and everything appears to be in order.· Take a look at these figures - our profits are not looking good.
to see someone or something · I saw your brother in town this morning.· Have you seen my pen anywhere?· If you see either of these men, inform the police immediately.· Did you see a white van parked out here earlier today?· When did you last see your dog?see somebody doing something · I saw Matt coming out of the cinema with Jane.· I first saw her feeding the ducks in the park.see somebody do something · She saw him get into a Porsche driven by a dark-haired woman.· I didn't see her arrive because I had my back turned.see who/what/where etc · It was too dark for her to see who the woman was.· Have you seen what Jake's done to his bedroom?can see somebody/something · Shh! I can see someone moving in the bushes.see something with your own eyes (=see something or someone yourself, especially something strange or surprising) · 'How do you know it's true?' 'Because I saw it with my own eyes!'
especially written to see someone or something for only a very short time, and not very clearly: · Rick caught sight of the driver's face as the car raced by.· Lynn caught a brief glimpse of herself in the mirror.
to suddenly see someone or something that you have been looking for, or something interesting or unusual: · A resident spotted a man sitting in his car watching the explosion and notified the police.· He was spotted in the Manhattan area in mid-May.· I spotted this article about it in the paper.
also clap eyes on British to see someone or something -- use this either when talking about the time when you first saw them, or when saying strongly that you have never seen them or never want to see them again: · This was the woman he was going to marry -- he knew it the moment he set eyes on her.· I'd never clapped eyes on the guy before in my life.· I hoped we would never set eyes on one another again.
to see something happen, especially an accident, a crime, or an important event: · Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the attack.· The crash was witnessed by millions of viewers who were watching the race on TV.
especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· At least ten birds have been sighted feeding on the lake this year.· We sighted a fishing boat in the distance.
to be able to see someone or something clearly, even though you see them for only a very short time: get a good/proper look (at): · Hold it up to the light so I can get a proper look at it.· I don't think I could identify him. I didn't really get a good look.get a better look (at): · She stood on her toes to get a better look.get a close look (at): · I didn't get a close look at the driver, but I think he was middle-aged.· We drove into the prohibited zone, to get a closer look.
also see at first hand British if you see first hand something that is happening, you see it yourself, rather than being told about it by someone else: · Travelling in rural Thailand, I saw first hand the devastating effects of economic reform. · Central News has been to South America to see at first hand the lives that Oxfam hopes to improve.
to let someone see something to let someone see something, especially by holding it out in front of them: · Everyone has to show their identity cards at the entrance to the building.show somebody something: · Stephanie showed us her engagement ring.· Show me what you're hiding under the desk, Johnny.show somebody something: · You have to show the security guard your pass.show something to somebody: · Neil showed his Pokemon card collection to Harry.
especially spoken to show something to someone, especially because they have asked to see it: · Could you let me see the menu?· How would you feel if I wrote something about you, but I wouldn't let you see it?· Hold it up to the light and let me see what color it is.
also let somebody have a look British to show something to someone, especially so that they can look at it closely, for example in order to fix it: · At least let Mike take a look -- he might be able to help.let sb take a look at: · Let me have a look at your necklace. Perhaps I can fix it.· Take your shirt off, and let me take a look at that cut on your shoulder.
to show something such as an official document or ticket to someone in an official position: · Please present your boarding card at the gate.present something to somebody: · All passports must be presented to the immigration officer.
formal to take something such as a ticket or official paper out of your pocket or bag and show it to someone in an official position: · The man fired from the car window when he was asked by a police officer to produce a license for the weapon.· Failure to produce a valid insurance certificate may result in criminal prosecution.
to very quickly show something such as a ticket to someone when you are entering or leaving a place: · He flashed his membership card as passed through the door.flash something at somebody: · Two police officers burst in, the latter hurriedly flashing his ID card at her as they made their way upstairs.
formal to let someone see something that is usually covered or hidden: · The animal opened its mouth, exposing rows of sharp white teeth.· The receding tide had exposed huge expanses of sand.
to let someone see something that is usually hidden or that they did not know was there: · She lifted the lid of the box to reveal a life-size porcelain baby doll.· A medical examination may reveal evidence of dietary deficiencies.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Let me have a look at that – I think it’s mine. Take a good look at the photo and see if you recognize anyone in it. I took one look at the coat and decided it wasn’t worth £50. Mike gave him such a severe look he didn’t dare argue. Why has Jake been giving me dirty looks (=unfriendly looks) all morning? Have you had a chance to take a look at my proposal yet? I asked the vet to have a quick look at the puppies as well. It’s time to take a fresh look at the old problem of low pay. This month, take a long hard look (=examine very carefully) at where your money is going. I can’t find them anywhere. Have a look yourself. She had a good look (=searched carefully) through the files. The neighbours are back from holiday by the looks of it (=that is how it seems). I don’t like the look of this new policy (=I do not like the way it seems). You get your good looks from your mother. When she lost her looks (=became less attractive) she found it difficult to get work.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The dull, absent look on her face implied boredom. She gave me an anxious look. Dan came in looking very apologetic. Denise gave me a black look. Zoe looked at me with a blank expression. You need to think very carefully about which course you want to do. She cast an anguished look at Guy. The young tramp cast him a wary glance. You look cool in denim. Luke gave her a cool look. He came back looking crestfallen. Her shouting attracted some curious glances from other people in the restaurant. Even a cursory glance at the figures will tell you that sales are down. Her face was very pale and she wore a dazed expression. She gave me a last despairing look. The job creation programme is looked upon with disfavour by the local community. ‘Everything’s going to be all right, you’ll see.’ Jenny looked doubtful. ‘Are you sure you know what you are doing?’ Andy said, looking dubious. The child looked enchanting in a pale blue dress. The voice on the phone sounded familiar. Your sister looks very fetching in that dress. She gave him a filthy look. In theory, the scheme sounds fine. Ann stared fixedly at the screen. Duvall gave him a flinty stare. He’d been made to look foolish. I felt that at last I could begin to look forward. Let’s take a fresh look at the problem. He gave me a frosty stare. Chris kept stealing furtive glances at me. Anna looked glum. Take a good look at it. We were just having a look around. Are you going to have a swim? I look forward to hearing from you (=hope to receive news from you). You should have seen the look of horror on his face. With her designer clothes and elegant hair, she looks every inch the celebrity. She stood by the wall, trying to look inconspicuous. She shot him an incredulous look. He gave us a knowing look. The garden looked like a jungle. At last he felt like a real soldier. The most fashionable jeans this winter have a lived-in look. He looked longingly at the tray of cakes. You look lovely in that dress. He gave her a dark, malevolent look. When I looked in the mirror I couldn’t believe it. I looked fantastic! Gabby looked at him with a mischievous grin. Jan looks really miserable. The car may not be much to look at (=it does not look good) but it’s very reliable. You look nice in that suit. Mm, something smells nice! a nostalgic look back at the 1950s She was holding an extremely odd-looking weapon. Stella was beginning to feel a little offended. Stand with your elbows pointing outwards. You’re looking a little peaked this morning. He’s looking a bit peaky today. He gave her a piercing look. Alice read the letter with a puzzled expression on her face. He sat and watched her, a quizzical look on his face. Sam looked a bit sheepish. He looks a bit shifty to me. ‘You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.’ Michelle shot him a furious glance. Jack shot an anxious look at his mother. She jumped at any opportunity to make me look small. You’re looking very smart. ‘I knew I’d win,’ she said with a smug smile. Eliza was tall and thin, with a rather sour face. ‘Wait!’ I shouted in my sternest voice. a thoughtful look a triumphant grin Benson looked troubled when he heard the news. You’re looking very well. There was a wild look about her (=she seemed a little crazy). She has managed to maintain her youthful appearance.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
Let me have a look at that – I think it’s mine. Take a good look at the photo and see if you recognize anyone in it. I took one look at the coat and decided it wasn’t worth £50. also have/take a look round British English (=look at all the things in a particular place) I have a special interest in old houses. Do you mind if I take a look around?
I have a special interest in old houses. Do you mind if I take a look around? Mike gave him such a severe look he didn’t dare argue. Why has Jake been giving me dirty looks (=unfriendly looks) all morning? Have you had a chance to take a look at my proposal yet? I asked the vet to have a quick look at the puppies as well. It’s time to take a fresh look at the old problem of low pay. This month, take a long hard look (=examine very carefully) at where your money is going. I can’t find them anywhere. Have a look yourself. She had a good look (=searched carefully) through the files. (=think that something bad has happened or will happen because of something’s appearance) We should turn back now. It’s getting dark and I don’t like the look of those rain clouds.
We should turn back now. It’s getting dark and I don’t like the look of those rain clouds. The neighbours are back from holiday by the looks of it (=that is how it seems). I don’t like the look of this new policy (=I do not like the way it seems). You get your good looks from your mother. When she lost her looks (=became less attractive) she found it difficult to get work. The dull, absent look on her face implied boredom. (=look or feel as old as you really are)· The singer is 46, but she doesn’t look her age at all.· I keep getting aches in my legs and I’m starting to feel my age.
She gave me an anxious look. Dan came in looking very apologetic.· They all admired Gordon and looked to him for approval.
· ‘You’ve thought of everything,’ she said with a smile of approval.
· Managers were asked to look at every aspect of their work.
· She began looking for bargains at car boot sales.
Denise gave me a black look. Zoe looked at me with a blank expression. (=look at the pages quickly)· I looked through the book until I found the right section.
· Some of the students were starting to look bored.
· He gave her a brief look.
You need to think very carefully about which course you want to do. She cast an anguished look at Guy. The young tramp cast him a wary glance.· For a while the whole project looked certain to fail.
· She looked at the clock. It was eight thirty.
· She moved forward to take a close look at the painting.
· Investigators descended on the crime scene hunting for clues.
· That sofa looks wonderfully comfortable.
· He gave her a look of contempt that made her want to hit him.
· Although this does not seem to be a good result, let’s examine it in context.
You look cool in denim. Luke gave her a cool look. He came back looking crestfallen.· $3 billion a year is spent searching for a cure for cancer.
Her shouting attracted some curious glances from other people in the restaurant. Even a cursory glance at the figures will tell you that sales are down. Her face was very pale and she wore a dazed expression.· Is Jo all right? She sounded a bit depressed.
She gave me a last despairing look.· If you don’t understand the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary.
· She looked in the direction that Jeremy was pointing.
· She didn't attempt to hide the look of disappointment on her face.
The job creation programme is looked upon with disfavour by the local community. ‘Everything’s going to be all right, you’ll see.’ Jenny looked doubtful. (=try to find something by looking in drawers)· I've been through all my drawers and I can't find it.
‘Are you sure you know what you are doing?’ Andy said, looking dubious.· The judge seemed embarrassed to be asking her such personal questions.
(also seek employment formal)· My son had to leave the farm and seek employment elsewhere.
The child looked enchanting in a pale blue dress.· Your husband doesn’t look too enthusiastic about the idea.
· The investigation will look for evidence of financial mismanagement.
· I began to look for excuses to avoid seeing him.
· All of her clothes look very expensive.
· She had a rather surprised look on her face.· I could tell by the look on Dan’s face that he was disappointed.
The voice on the phone sounded familiar. Your sister looks very fetching in that dress. She gave him a filthy look. In theory, the scheme sounds fine. Ann stared fixedly at the screen. Duvall gave him a flinty stare. He’d been made to look foolish. I felt that at last I could begin to look forward. Let’s take a fresh look at the problem. He gave me a frosty stare. Chris kept stealing furtive glances at me. (=know what will happen in the future)· I wish I could see into the future.
(=think about or plan for the future)· She could now look to the future with confidence.
· The future looks good for the company.
Anna looked glum. Take a good look at it. (=look pale and ill)
· He gave me a look of pure hate as I entered the room.
We were just having a look around. Are you going to have a swim? I look forward to hearing from you (=hope to receive news from you). You should have seen the look of horror on his face.· He looked rather ill when I saw him.
With her designer clothes and elegant hair, she looks every inch the celebrity. She stood by the wall, trying to look inconspicuous. She shot him an incredulous look. (also seek information formal)· Journalists going to the building to seek information were denied entry.
(also seek inspiration formal)· I sought inspiration in medieval carvings.
· There was a look of joy on their faces.
He gave us a knowing look. The garden looked like a jungle. At last he felt like a real soldier.· Which candidate seems likely to win?
The most fashionable jeans this winter have a lived-in look. He looked longingly at the tray of cakes. You look lovely in that dress. He gave her a dark, malevolent look.· She stopped the car to look at the map.
(=read the menu)· He looked at the menu and decided to have the salad.
When I looked in the mirror I couldn’t believe it. I looked fantastic! Gabby looked at him with a mischievous grin. Jan looks really miserable. The car may not be much to look at (=it does not look good) but it’s very reliable.· He sounded nervous and uncertain.
· Lucy swallowed as she sent him a nervous glance.
You look nice in that suit. Mm, something smells nice! a nostalgic look back at the 1950s· I read through my notes before the exam.
She was holding an extremely odd-looking weapon. Stella was beginning to feel a little offended. (=consider an option)· You have to look at every option as your business develops.
Stand with your elbows pointing outwards. You’re looking a little peaked this morning. He’s looking a bit peaky today. He gave her a piercing look. Alice read the letter with a puzzled expression on her face. He sat and watched her, a quizzical look on his face. (=rain appears likely because there are dark clouds in the sky)· We ate indoors because it looked like rain.
· Jen looked relieved to see me.
· He allowed himself a little smile of satisfaction.
· What’s the matter? You look scared.
Sam looked a bit sheepish. He looks a bit shifty to me.· He glanced at his mother, who looked shocked.
‘You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.’ Michelle shot him a furious glance. Jack shot an anxious look at his mother. (=look behind you)· He glanced over his shoulder and grinned at me.
She jumped at any opportunity to make me look small. You’re looking very smart. ‘I knew I’d win,’ she said with a smug smile.· The company is still seeking a solution to its financial problems.
Eliza was tall and thin, with a rather sour face.· I had spent a lot of time looking up at the stars as a kid.
‘Wait!’ I shouted in my sternest voice. a thoughtful look a triumphant grin Benson looked troubled when he heard the news.· Both his parents looked very unhappy.
(=look at someone in order to judge their appearance or character) Maisie looked her rival up and down with a critical eye.
Maisie looked her rival up and down with a critical eye.· She gave me a warning look, but I carried on.
· I looked at my watch. It was 4.30.
You’re looking very well. There was a wild look about her (=she seemed a little crazy).· Mom stared out of the window at the road.
(=try to find it in a book)· I looked the word up in my dictionary.
(also seek work formal)· Young people come to town looking for work.
· Don’t look so worried! It’ll be fine.
· John came in with a worried look on his face.
She has managed to maintain her youthful appearance.· Take a close look at your pension position.· Take a closer look at the warning labels surrounding you on a daily basis.· Let's have a closer look at the factors involved in the blades striking the tailboom.· Instead of razing it, commissioners asked for a closer look at its remodeling cost.· She finally decided that she would go down to the garden and take a closer look.· They passed a hundred yards away and never so much as changed course to take a closer look.· My curiosity had been piqued, so after the service I slipped up to the band area to take a closer look.
· IntelliDraw takes a fresh look at the way people work with images.· It was time to take a fresh look.· You can achieve the freshest look with minimum make-up.· Other revelations came from taking a fresh look at the data.· He'd poked at the soil with a hoe to give it a fresh look.· You can choose from either the graceful resilience of hardwood or the fresh, flawless look of uPVC.· The new Community Care Act should prompt a fresh look at services for carers and those they look after.
· Step out and have a good look around.· With his dark good looks and meticulous personal style, he made a lasting, if rather forbidding impression on lay people.· If one liked that uncompromisingly masculine type of good looks, she thought, trying to tell herself she did not.· I got a very good look at her, as she did at us.· But then, it was not his good looks that made him famous.· A good look at the bottom end of a drummer tended to lower crowd sympathy.· Have a good look at that remedy and see if your intuitive feelings can be justified.
· It was less than a hundred metres away, and gave us a long hard look as we stood there.· Clarisa gave her a hard look.· The hard look that seems wrong on a face so young was suddenly gone.· I gave him a hard look.· The next time you see a personal computer, take a long, hard look.· She wanted some one outside Orkney to take a long, hard look at what was happening within the islands.· I intend to take a real hard and mean look at this deal.
· Take a good long look at yourself in a mirror, with and without the wrongly-sized items.· The plump girl behind the counter gave him a long look as he paid.· Travis gave her appearance one long look before disappearing upstream the way she had come.· I took a good long look at my chip.· The next stage is to take a long, hard look at yourself.· The next time you see a personal computer, take a long, hard look.· He gave me a long look.· Now she was stubbornly determined to have a good, long look at the Horseshoe.
· Pepsi says it considered more than 3, 000 designs on the way to its new look.· Observant readers will also notice a new look to the columnists who grace the back end of our editorial pages.· Now and then she mounted a short lived campaign to achieve a new look.· But since the controversy is still very much alive, it seems advisable to take a new look at this issue.· Several fans have complained about the new look.· And do you know, the new look was the culprit?
· He gave me an odd look as if I was telling strange stories.· After her outburst, she now remained silent, darting odd looks of triumph at her betrayer.· We received some odd looks from customers but most smiled and fussed over Spike & Molly.· When I came down the proprietor gave me an odd look and said the gentleman was waiting for me outside.· SHe noticed Tammuz flicking odd looks at the girl.
· As he raced up the narrow track he took a quick look over his shoulder.· Here is a quick look at the old and new labels.· They went up on to the platform, and took a quick look into the Porter's room.· Then, have a quick look at the floor area in - and immediately surrounding - the kiosk.· Brian took a quick look at his wife.
VERB· She cast a regretful look at the big double bed with its luxurious continental quilt.· As the baby grew older, she cast an envying look at pink.· All he could produce was a stiff upper lip, while young Lady C cast meaningful looks at sturdy gamekeeper Mellors.· A few days after my gift was discovered, Milagros cast me a worried look at dinner.· Snyde came closer, reached out a paw and touched Whillan's flank strangely, casting a lingering look at it.· Hattie Johnson cast an unthinking look at Ezra, her nine-year-old boy.· He automatically steps into the room, casting a melodramatic look over his shoulder.
· The patients loved it and several laughed out loud at her antics, while Martha and Yvonne exchanged looks of glee.· They exchanged looks full of sadness, as if they had both lost something.· He watched as Gilbert exchanged a look with an equally shell-shocked Frye ... and then hurried quickly towards the reception door.· Papi exchanged a helpless look with Mami.· Riven and Ratagan exchanged a look, and Riven realised that the big man knew everything.· As you began again, all of us around you exchanged more pained looks.· The two men exchange a look and put their revolvers back into their holsters.· Jess and Red exchange another look.
· You got to go look for work tomorrow.· I got a very good look at her, as she did at us.· But we didn't have a record player, so every night we'd get it out and look at it.· Because of his persistence, he got a look.· Nobody else gets much of a look in.· She stopped and glanced up to get a good look at him.
· And he gives me a look of a kind that I don't altogether like.· She gave him a startled look and walked on.· I gave him a surprised look.· My brother gave me a questioning look.· As he strolled towards the flat a girl who passed gave him a second look: he didn't notice.· She had given him a spiteful look as she left, taking little catlike steps.· Nanny gave her a piercing look. ` Really?
· He shot me a look brimful of amusement, then drained his cup and sat back in the chair.· The navigator, Jack, came in with some more weather reports, and shot a peculiar look at Eddie.· Mandy shot her a look of pure astonishment.· He shot me a worried look.· Lily shot a quick horrified look up and down the road.· Rob shot a look at Loulse, who smiled.· Muriel shot a look at Lily's downcast profile.· His wife shot him a look.
· On arriving at the Imaginary Universes Laboratory, Gedanken immediately took a look into the experimental box.· The uproar prompted Barwood to take a broader look at the museum.· Of course I can't repeat Gene's formulae here, visit your library and take a look if you're interested.· Just take a look at this outrageous mutual-fund portfolio.· In this, part two of the series, we take a look at some of the music software which is available.· He simply folded his hands and took a good look at Mel.· Let us take a closer look at each.· Using eight criteria that help define the risk-reward equation, Bloomberg takes a look at Albers and his fund.
· When they reached the door she hesitated and threw him a pleading look.· He ignored her and threw a hard look at me: I better not tell.· Shiona threw him a harsh look as, shrugging off his hand, she climbed into the passenger seat.· And that made Hanson throw a mean look.· The manikin threw a malevolent look at Corbett and fled into the darkness.· The clerk throws me a contemptuous look, then does the search.· She threw him a suspicious look.· He clears his throat, throws one more protesting look at David and prepares to begin.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► appealing look/expression/voice etc► feel/look like a million bucks► look like something the cat dragged/brought in► look/feel like death warmed up► look as if you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards► look/feel etc like nothing on earth► a faraway look► fix somebody with a stare/glare/look etc► look a fright► never/don’t look a gift horse in the mouth► injured look/expression etc► look to your laurels► look lively!► like looking for a needle in a haystack► you only have to read/look at/listen to etc something► be/look a picture► rock a trend/look etc► not give something a second glance/look► work a trend/look etc
1look at [countable usually singular] an act of looking at somethinghave/take a look (at somebody/something)- It often looked askance at the mainland.
- No, it was not Jenny who made him look askance at the legacy.
- Sometimes they would look askance at what I had thrown on.
- The tradition that you came from often looked askance at constitutions, regarding them as mere pieces of paper.
- Yet this restatement of his views won him political support from Liberals who looked askance at this quasi-nationalization programme.
- You look awful - what's wrong?
- Every time we lose, I just feel awful inside.
- For all her cheerfulness it was painfully obvious that she was feeling awful.
- He took it away and tried to look normal but he felt awful.
- I felt awful, ill, all beaten up.
- In fact she felt awful, nauseous and light-headed and clammy.
- Oh, and did we mention the damn stuff looked awful, stunk and tasted lousy?
- The next morning I felt awful.
- Tom felt quite confident of his safety, but physically he felt awful.
- Always look on the bright side of life.
- Another is that they have an in-built bias towards optimism, always looking on the bright side of life.
- But look on the bright side: we've finally found a way of getting rid of Liverpool, too.
- By the time supper rolls around, he has even begun to look on the bright side.
- Experts believe it is all part of a wartime spirit of looking on the bright side.
- She would look on the bright side.
- Still; look on the bright side: they'd have to order another one.
- Aren't you cold?
- Come inside before you get cold.
- But no, he decided, the boss was getting colder and colder and his voice quieter.
- He was getting cold, too.
- It was getting cold in the room.
- My chips will be cold by now.
- She felt cold and sick and wished she could crawl away and lie down.
- She was afraid his skin would be cold.
- Since we were making plans to camp at Mammoth, we expected it to be cold.
- Unfortunately he, the lover, had got cold feet at the last minute.
- The lady behind the counter looked daggers at me.
- Their relationship is not free and easy but at least Red is no longer looking daggers at her.
- Amy kept crying, and everybody was giving us dirty looks.
- Frank turned round and gave me a really dirty look.
- My aunt's friends always used to give me dirty looks when I brought my kids over, because they knew I wasn't married.
- He and Kemp pound down the stairway, exchanging words.
- Hughes exchanged words with umpire Steve Randell after a confident appeal against Richie Richardson was turned down when he was on 47.
- I would hear the women exchange words with Miss Fingerstop.
- Linda buried herself in the crowd, exchanging words with this one and that and heading for the bar.
- Nurses busily went up and down, sometimes pausing to exchange words and careless laughter.
- The patients loved it and several laughed out loud at her antics, while Martha and Yvonne exchanged looks of glee.
- They exchanged looks full of sadness, as if they had both lost something.
- They exchanged words, not all of which appeared to be in jest.
- But spirited Patsy flashed a look of encouragement at him.
- Zak flashed a glance at the crew, saw me and gave me a thumbs-up sign.
- Baptiste flicked a look at Léonie.
- She flicked a glance at her watch.
- Billie had a funny look on her face.
- I thought, in my anxious state, that the orderly gave me a funny look as he left me there.
- Robbie gave her a funny look, as though she were a little peculiar for jumping into his illogical fragment of thought.
- Anders was already in his bunk, looking ghastly.
- If the old man had looked ill in the train, he looked ghastly now.
- Jacqui looked ghastly when she opened the door.
- She was sober now but she felt ghastly.
- They both looked ghastly white and tense.
- But he still remembered the hidden yawns, the glazed looks and drooping eyelids.
- Has anyone noticed that Nicolas Cage has gotten a sort of stoned-out, glazed look to him of late?
- He did not acknowledge Conroy, but hurried on down with that glazed look of some one already encased in their next entrance.
- Instead, you held your head high and let a glazed look mask your eyes.
- The knock on the head alone could not account for the glazed look in her eyes.
- They had the distended bellies and glazed eyes of famine.
- With glazed eyes he was staring into the middle distance.
- He has his father's long face, hangdog expression and lank fair hair.
- Ross was still sporting his hangdog look.
- After the inevitable posture of being affronted, I took a hard look at what I was doing.
- Blairites could take a harder look at a rhetorical vocabulary in which every single item was anticipated by totalitarianism.
- In practice, many doctors are too busy to take a long hard look at every patient.
- Instead, they take a hard look at a difficult moral and political dilemma and find no easy answers.
- Or you can take a hard look at the feminist agenda.
- Some one needs to take a long hard look at what has happened to tennis in Ulster over the last 20 years.
- The latter allows both parties a chance to stand back from the daily routine and take a harder look at overall performance.
- A sleepless night had added to her pallor and the haunted look in her eyes.
- It still had the gaunt, haunted look that had so put Meg off before.
- He looks like hell and sounds awful, but then, as he's the first to admit, he always did.
- In that case I would peak earlier and higher and then feel like hell for the rest of the day.
- We looked high and low for Sandy but couldn't find her.
- He had searched high and low for these.
- Throughout her letters, Clappe was searching high and low for a room of her own.
- You say you have looked high and low for new building sites but let me tell you there are some.
- Anyway, I just thought I'd write to suggest that we meet up at some point.
- I just think an organization like this should be hearing how the board thinks.
- I just thought something that was see through maybe on that wall would.
- I get a headache just looking at a cookbook.
- I promised myself I was just looking.
- I will spend that day in a field of black smokers, just looking.
- Similarly, you should not just look at the eyes or ears when there may be a problem here.
- We just thought - obviously very stupidly - that you might be working on something together.
- But tobacco is a wily and vengeful beast, and one not disposed to look kindly on those who jilt him.
- No skimping, and I'd look kindly on it if you'd provide her with petticoats.
- Penry was unlikely to look kindly on some one who landed on his island uninvited twice in a row.
- Her eyes were a washed-out blue with a level gaze.
- Powys & Jones have real promise but can't get a look-in.
- Torque-steer wouldn't get a look-in.
- When it comes to the 3,000 metres steeplechase, no other country gets a look-in.
- He did not reply, but got into the car glumly, with a martyred air.
- All he could produce was a stiff upper lip, while young Lady C cast meaningful looks at sturdy gamekeeper Mellors.
- Benjamin indicated with meaningful glances at me that this stark, sombre evening was such an appropriate time.
- But this time he drew out his knife and showed it to me with a meaningful glance.
- Lots of meaningful glances and repressed passion as only the Victorians knew how.
- They exchanged meaningful glances from time to time - and it was apparent that his brother was as troubled as he by the disturbing events.
- I felt like a million dollars.
- She cast a murderous look over his hard male profile.
- She had stopped giving me murderous looks and seemed quite bright-eyed as we got ourselves ready to leave the ship.
- Certainly the lateral geniculate nucleus in rats looks nothing like the lateral geniculate nucleus in monkeys.
- It's classed as being a conifer but it looks nothing like one.
- Remember that the intermediate stored pattern may be pretty abstract, looking nothing like the input pattern.
- She insisted that I looked nothing like Majella.
- She looked nothing like her photograph.
- The problem is that in its juvenile form it looks nothing like the adult specimen.
- The zone blitz can fluster an offense because it looks nothing like a conventional blitz.
- This suspect looks nothing like Nichols, a slightly built, light-skinned man in his 40s with thinning hair.
- We manoeuvre in the world constantly looking out for Number One.
- After five months in the hospital, I'm feeling like my old self again.
- As you began again, all of us around you exchanged more pained looks.
- He assumed a pained expression and averted his eyes.
- He finally looked at Cantor, a pained expression on his face.
- His mouth was set in a prim, pained expression of disapproval.
- Larry, my stepfather, sits stiffly with a pained expression on his face.
- Rex made with the crossed eyes and suitably pained expression.
- The ubiquitous man with the pained expression vanishes.
- You noticed a vaguely pained expression enter Jackson's eyes, as if he was wondering why nothing ever proved simple.
- Certainly with his long, jet-black, forked beard, he looked the part.
- Clarke played four of the five tests this season at inside centre without quite looking the part.
- It was, she discovered, easier to look the part than to feel it.
- Morris's contribution to this match is unlikely to find much space in Wisden, but he already looks the part.
- Not that he looked the part.
- The Big Hurt already looks the part of a legendary slugger.
- This has recently reached Volume 4 and now really looks the part.
- Although most people would have stared at his nose Adam was more struck by his penetrating eyes.
- He was from Fukien province, was missionary-trained, and had bright, penetrating eyes.
- Matron was equally dignified, with a towering cap of white linen and a penetrating gaze.
- Nomatterwhat she did to distract herself, his dark penetrating eyes lingered in her memory as though they'd been branded there.
- Take a long hard, and penetrating look into the way you handle your life and the pattern of your partnerships in general.
- The woman scrutinized me from across the office, holding her penetrating gaze as I walked toward her.
- They were the blackest, brightest, most penetrating eyes I ever saw...
- The other smiled at him a pitying smile.
- As he left the office he locked it behind him, with a pointed look at Bob.
- Out in the field, we looked like a bunch of drowned rats.
- You were looking like a drowned rat after our little foray into Puddephat's rooms.
- It looks rough and unfinished: the corpses probably stir underground during the night.
- Lightly trim the grass using a sharp mower if the surface is looking rough, but do not cut it short.
- She did look ill, and Tippy looked rough at the best of times.
- Crouched down beside it, Delaney took another searching glance behind him, at the lifeless, cluttered room.
- Guy led Chalon back on to the road, casting another searching glance up at Isabel's closed face.
- Soul searching Look no further for a hot new boy band.
- The searching gaze was too much for Denis.
- Although the costumes look sharp, the set is bare-bones and nondescript.
- Come on, boys, look sharp.
- He's been training hard and looks sharp.
- Hobert looked sharp, completing 10 of 13 passes.
- So you can expect the geometric pattern lounge carpet to look sharp in years to come.
- They will look sharp for signs of senility and increasing pain-will they perhaps even hope for them?
- I woke up with a hangover and felt like shit for the rest of the day.
- And it used to make me feel like shit to hear that.
- Everytime I am about to go to a cup match I imagine myself travelling back home feeling like shit.
- Here goes ... I expected to look like shit but this was ridiculous.
- I try to think of nice ways to comment on his appearance without saying he looks like shit.
- It's a terrible thing to be told that and then to do what the director says and it feels like shit.
- The school made you feel like shit.
- We really do look like shit.
- You looked like shit the other night.
- He shot me a look brimful of amusement, then drained his cup and sat back in the chair.
- Joyce shot her a look in which surprise and indignation were nicely fused.
- Mandy shot her a look of pure astonishment.
- Nick and I shot a conspiratorial look at each other: this time we would refuse to fight.
- She shot a worried glance down to the bottom of the yard.
- The team shot quizzical glances at their new addition but made no move to get rid of him.
- I am looking over my shoulder.
- So, reading through this book, you feel as thought Alwyn is looking over your shoulder, egging you on.
- Two snub-nosed bristle-headed boys were looking over my shoulder in bright-eyed interest.
- You were looking over your shoulder waiting for the knock on the door.
- Afterwards, in the changing room, everyone shoots sidelong glances at Lil.
- But a few sidelong glances revealed them to be He-Shes.
- I cast a sidelong glance, to see if she's noticed.
- Pleased faces, sidelong glances seeking agreement.
- She cast a sidelong glance at Fen.
- A stream that looked small on the map had grown to be about 15 feet across.
- Corrigan felt small beads of sweat run from his armpits down his sides.
- Darren, looking small and extremely disgruntled, was slumped in the front left-hand seat.
- It makes him feel small and worthless.
- No to make me look small, that's her object!
- Ruth felt small and insecure, as if she were a child again.
- She stood trembling, staring at the blank window, feeling smaller than a baby.
- Babur sneaks a look at the policewoman.
- I sneaked a look at my medical report; slow heartbeat, low metabolism.
- I sneaked a look behind as we went off in a cloud of dust.
- Just before we left, I raised up to straighten my coat and sneaked a look at the McLaren girl.
- Men sneak looks all the time!
- Occasionally they sneak glances at the businessmen -- who look back at them in mutual amazement and fear.
- Only the men would sneak glances at her, admiring the shapely figure showing in the plain uniform.
- The chairman sneaks a look at some of the messages on Doreen's card.
- He was just gazing into space.
- In his study, Bernard Quex stared into space, pen motionless over his notepad.
- Mrs Frizzell gazed into space and Mrs Murphy smoothed back errant curls from her damp forehead.
- Mrs James caught me staring into space twice even though the girl sitting next to me had nudged me in time.
- My companion remained oblivious to the sights, staring into space and frowning.
- Rachel screamed and woke up, drenched with sweat, shaking, staring into space.
- Sometimes the door was ajar and I would see her sitting absolutely still, staring into space, not reading at all.
- Usually, after a performance I come home and stare into space.
- He stole a glance at her.
- Jenna stole a look at him and he was watching her intently, in every way intent.
- She stole a glance at him; his features matched the ice in his tone and his eyes surpassed it.
- She stole a glance from her future and turned her head.
- "You need to get more exercise." "Look who's talking!"
- And that made Hanson throw a mean look.
- Ezra threw Morrill a look of utter disbelief and shook his head.
- He dropped his hand, he threw a look right, then left.
- He ignored her and threw a hard look at me: I better not tell.
- He sensed more than heard the scuffle of trainer shoes on concrete behind him and threw a casual glance over his shoulder.
- I gasped at her beauty and, like the rest, threw envious glances at her most fortunate husband.
- Mark, too, could be thrown a second glance every now and then.
- The nurse was aware of her humiliation and kept throwing sympathetic glances.
- As usual, she looked a treat.
- Don't he look a treat!
- I bet it works a treat.
- I must say, Gwen, your garden looks a treat.
- I repeated a few times, and it worked a treat - on a window as well.
- It's another first-rate conversion that works a treat on the Game Gear.
- Much funnier than Tarzan or Hercules, this works a treat because the hero, Emperor Kuzco, is an anti-hero.
- Brittany, the blond cheerleader, has a vacant stare and huge eyelashes.
- But an oddly vacant look had come over Cinzia's features.
- Eyes downcast; baby lips pulled into a frown; dull, vacant stare.
- He was a bright-eyed boy, thin and fair, with a vacant expression that often gave way to shrill laughter.
- He was looking round with a vacant look on his face and I was frightened.
- However, just behind the vacant expression he offered me, I detected fear.
- The maid's vacant expression was replaced momentarily by one of greedy expectation - shortly followed by disappointment.
- Charles turned abruptly round and gave his wife a withering look as reporters homed in on the pair.
- The dark-haired vibrancer caught him staring and gave him a withering look.
Let me have a look at that – I think it’s mine. Take a good look at the photo and see if you recognize anyone in it. I took one look at the coat and decided it wasn’t worth £50.have/take a look around (also have/take a look round )British English (=look at all the things in a particular place) I have a special interest in old houses. Do you mind if I take a look around?2expression [countable] an expression that you make with your eyes or facegive somebody a look Mike gave him such a severe look he didn’t dare argue. Why has Jake been giving me dirty looks (=unfriendly looks) all morning?3consider [singular] an act of examining something and thinking about ithave/take a look (at somebody/something) Have you had a chance to take a look at my proposal yet? I asked the vet to have a quick look at the puppies as well. It’s time to take a fresh look at the old problem of low pay. This month, take a long hard look (=examine very carefully) at where your money is going.4search [singular] an attempt to find something: I can’t find them anywhere. Have a look yourself. She had a good look (=searched carefully) through the files.5appearance [countable usually singular] the appearance that someone or something has: The area has a very seedy look to it. Mr Flynn had a tired, ill look in his eyes.not like the look of somebody/something (=think that something bad has happened or will happen because of something’s appearance) We should turn back now. It’s getting dark and I don’t like the look of those rain clouds.6way something seems [countable] the way something seems to be: The neighbours are back from holiday by the looks of it (=that is how it seems). I don’t like the look of this new policy (=I do not like the way it seems).7beauty looks [plural] physical attractiveness: Fiona’s got everything – looks, money and youth. You get your good looks from your mother. When she lost her looks (=became less attractive) she found it difficult to get work.8fashion [singular] a particular style in clothes, hair, furniture etc: The hippy look is back again.9if looks could kill used to say that someone is looking at someone else in a very angry or unfriendly wayTHESAURUSlook an act of looking at something: · Let me have a look at the map.· I took a quick look around the room.glance a quick look at something before looking away again: · Susan cast a quick glance at me (=she looked quickly at me).· He could not resist a sidelong glance (=quickly looking to the side) to see what was happening on the other side of the road.glimpse a short look at someone or something in which you do not see them very clearly: · Fans were hoping to catch a glimpse of the singer as he left the hotel.· I had only a fleeting glimpse (=a very quick look) of the two men as they ran away.gaze a long steady look: · Eddie fixed his gaze on the floor.· She looked up and met his gaze (=looked at him when he was looking at her).stare a long direct look, especially in an unfriendly way or in a way that shows you are surprised: · He was watching me with a cold stare.· My cheery ‘Good Morning’ was met with a blank stare (=a stare which shows no emotion).glare an angry look at someone: · She gave him a hostile glare as he entered the room.frown a confused or annoyed look: · ‘Anyway,’ she said with a frown, ‘I don’t see how there could be a connection.’