look alive

Idioms and Phrases

Act lively, hurry up, as in Look alive! This job has to be finished today . This phrase, often used as an imperative, today is more common in Britain than in America. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

The president must be animated — look alive! — but even more, his message must be animating for voters.

From Los Angeles Times

“Don’t take it all off. He needs to look alive.”

From Literature

“He doesn’t look alive; he looks ridiculous. Men don’t wear makeup, Juanita.”

From Literature

But the looks were on a dummy M3gan, and she didn’t look alive.

From New York Times

“That’s it! Let’s move! Look alive!!” various coaches yelled as the players scrimmaged in green and bright orange vests.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• clamber
• climb
• contend
• crawl
• jostle
• push
• rush
• scurry
• vie