be on the lookout


be on the lookout

To be watching for something or someone. Be on the lookout for my email! It will have all the instructions you need for the project. A: "What are you guys doing?" B: "We're on the lookout for Mom's car, so we can tell Dad to stop working on her surprise gift when she gets here."See also: lookout, on

be on the lookout

1 keep searching for someone or something that is wanted. 2 be alert to danger or trouble. The word lookout , which originated in naval and military contexts, was first applied, in the late 17th century, to sentries or other people employed to keep watch. The sense of ‘the action of keeping watch’, as used in this expression, dates from the mid 18th century.See also: lookout, on

be on the ˈlookout (for somebody/something)

,

keep a ˈlookout (for somebody/something)

be searching (for somebody/something): We’re always on the lookout for good computer programmers. ♢ I’m on the lookout for a good book on German history.See also: lookout, on

be on the look out

and BOLO phr. & comp. abb. establish and maintain surveillance [for someone]. (A police notation.) BOLO for a 65-year-old woman with tattoos on her upper arms. We’ll be on the look out for your stolen car. See also: look, on, out