by/from the look of it/things

by the look(s) of it/things

Based on how something appears or seems to be. By the looks of it, she hasn't been to work all week—I mean, her desk is totally covered in unopened mail. The detective said that, by the looks of things, she is probably hiding out somewhere.See also: by, of, thing

from the look(s) of it/things

Based on how something appears or seems to be. From the looks of it, she hasn't been to work all week—I mean, her desk is totally covered in unopened mail. The detective said that, from the looks of things, she is probably hiding out somewhere.See also: of, thing

by/from the ˈlook(s) of it/things

(informal) judging from the way things seem to be: From the look of it, there’s going to be another war.By the looks of things, we’re going to be late.See also: by, look, of, thing