1 B1 informal
To make a brief, informal visit to a person or place, especially to check how things are.
"I'll look in on my way home from work to see if you need anything."
inseparable
look in
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To make a short, informal visit to a place or person, often to check on them.
In plain English
To make a quick visit to someone, often to see how they are doing.
What does "look in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(British, informal) In the phrase 'not get a look in' or 'have a look in': to have a chance to participate, win, or succeed.
"With the reigning champion in the competition, the younger players didn't get a look in."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To look inside (in) a place — implying a brief glance or short entry.
Actually means
To make a quick visit to someone, often to see how they are doing.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Commonly used for brief, casual visits — often to check on someone's wellbeing or to see if something is available. Also used in the phrase 'have a look in', meaning a chance or opportunity to succeed or compete.
Words that pair with "look in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
neighbour friend shop office hospital later
How to conjugate "look in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
look in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks in
he/she/it
Past simple
looked in
yesterday
Past participle
looked in
have + pp
-ing form
looking in
continuous
Hear "look in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "look in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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