be on the lookout

The phrase "be on the lookout" is commonly used to advise vigilance and alertness, often in contexts of safety, search, or observation.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)To remain vigilant and watchful for something or someone.

Example

  • Nature lovers will be on the lookout for eagles, cormorants, and the occasional whale.

B2Safety

(informal)To be alert and observant, especially to avoid potential danger.

Example

  • After the storm, the police told the public to be on the lookout for downed power lines.

B2Security

(informal)To actively search for suspicious activity or individuals.

Example

  • Police were on the lookout for anyone behaving suspiciously.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "be on the lookout":

keep a lookoutkeep an eye openlook out for someonewatch outhave eyes onlook for troublebe onwatch one's backhave one's eye onlook forlook onwatch one's stepscout outon guardlook tokeep vigilheads upkeep sight ofon watch