look sharp

Idioms and Phrases

Get moving, be alert, as in The coach told the team they would have to look sharp if they wanted to win . This colloquial expression, dating from the early 1700s, originally meant “to keep a strict watch” but acquired its present sense in the early 1800s.

Example Sentences

If we look sharp, we shall soon find on them a handsome half-open cone.

From Project Gutenberg

Look sharp with the light, or I shall knock my brains out against something in this confounded hole.

From Project Gutenberg

If we look sharp, we ought to be able to see the traces where they left them.

From Project Gutenberg

You'll have it about your ears in no time, if you don't look sharp.'

From Project Gutenberg

"I am not sure of anything, except that we are likely to break our necks if we don't look sharp," answered Rush, with a laugh.

From Project Gutenberg