look after (someone or something)
(redirected from look after one)look after (someone or something)
1. To act as a protector or caretaker for someone or something, especially in a limited or temporary capacity. I asked my mom to look after the house while we're on vacation. Any chance you can look after the kids on Saturday night?
2. To assume responsibility for some task or activity. You go in and collect the tickets. I'll look after the parking. The company hired me to look after their accounts.
3. To ensure someone is provided for fairly or generously, especially from a financial perspective. The gangster told me I would be well looked after if I kept my mouth shut in court. This insurance plan means my family will continue to be looked after even if I pass away before my time.
4. To ensure someone or something is maintained in good physical condition. If you look after this computer, it should last you upwards of 10 years. Part of your responsibilities as a tenant is to look after the front and back yards. You can tell that she really looks after herself.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
look after someone or something
to take care of someone or something. Please look after my little boy. Will you look after my cat while I'm away? Do you want me to look after your car?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
look after
Also, look out for; see after. Take care of, attend to the safety or well-being of, as in Please look after your little brother, or We left Jane to look out for the children, or Please see after the luggage. The first expression dates from the second half of the 1300s, the second from the mid-1900s, and the third from the early 1700s.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
look after
v.
To take care of someone or something: I looked after my younger brother and sister while my parents were working.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.