Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (146 page)

Look alive
!
Act alert and responsive!
“Come on, Fred! Get moving! Look alive!” shouted the coach, who was not happy with Fred's performance.
B
ILL
: Look alive, Bob! B
OB
: I'm doing the best I can.

Look (at) what the cat dragged in
!
Look who's here! (A good-humored and familiar way of showing surprise at someone's presence in a place, especially if the person looks a little rumpled. Compare to (Someone) looks like something the cat dragged in.)
Bob and Mary were standing near the doorway talking when Tom came in. “Look what the cat dragged in!” announced Bob
.
M
ARY
: Hello, everybody. I'm here! J
ANE
: Look at what the cat dragged in!

look here
a phrase emphasizing the point that follows. (Can show some impatience. See also look.)
H
ENRY
: Look here, I want to try to help you, but you're not making it easy for me. R
ACHEL
: I'm just so upset
.
A
NDREW
: Look here, I just asked you a simple question! B
OB
: As I told you in the beginning, there are no simple answers.

Look me up when you're in town
.
When you next come to my town, try to find me (and we can visit). (A vague and perhaps insincere invitation.)
B
OB
: Nice to see you, Tom. Bye now. T
OM
: Yes, indeed. Look me up when you're in town. Bye
.
S
ALLY
(on the phone): Bye. Nice talking to you. M
ARY
: Bye, Sally. Sorry we can't talk more. Look me up when you're in town.

Look out
!
AND
Watch out
!
Be careful.; Be aware of the danger near you!
Bob saw the scenery starting to fall on Tom. “Look out!” he cried
.
“Watch out! That sidewalk is really slick with ice!” warned Sally.

look under the hood
to examine the engine of a car; to check the oil and water associated with the engine of a car.
I finished putting gas in. I need to look under the hood
.
Do you want me to look under the hood, sir?

Look who's here
!
an expression drawing attention to someone present at a place.
B
ILL
: Look who's here! My old friend Fred. How goes it, Fred? F
RED
: Hi, there, Bill! What's new? B
ILL
: Nothing much
.
B
ILL
: Look who's here! M
ARY
: Yeah. Isn't that Fred Morgan?