look out for someone
B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
You make sure someone is safe and help them if something bad happens.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To watch over and protect someone, making sure they are safe and well.
"Promise me you'll look out for your little brother while I'm away."
"You've got to look out for each other out there."
— Common phrase in military and sports contexts; widely cited in interview transcripts and film dialogue
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To be alert on someone's behalf so you can spot opportunities or dangers for them.
"I'll look out for any job openings that might suit you."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Warm and caring in tone. Also used reflexively: 'look out for yourself.' Common in everyday speech in both British and American English.
Commonly used with
friend yourself family each other teammates kids
Forms
Base
look out for someone
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks out for someone
he/she/it
Past simple
looked out for someone
yesterday
Past participle
looked out for someone
have + pp
-ing form
looking out for someone
continuous
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Synonyms
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