look out for (someone or something)

look out for (someone or something)

1. To be aware of one's surroundings in order to look for or be aware of something. Look out for slippery rocks on that trail—I've fallen there several times. I always look out for deals when I'm shopping.2. To watch over someone to ensure their wellbeing. You need to look out for your little sister on this trip, OK? I was very lucky to have a lot of adults who looked out for me back in the neighborhood.See also: look, out

look out for

1. See to the welfare of, as in Mary was assigned to look out for the youngsters on the playground. Similar to look after, this expression appears in such terms as look out for number one, meaning "see to one's own best interests," as in Looking out for number one is Barbara's first priority. Versions of this expression, such as take care of number one, date from 1700. 2. Be careful of or watchful for something or someone, as in Look out for broken glass on the floor, or Look out for Mary-she'll be coming any minute. [Second half of 1600s] Also see look out. See also: look, out