phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

watch out

to be alert to danger

What it means

To be alert to danger or trouble, often as a warning to act quickly. It is very close in meaning to 'look out' but can also warn about future risks.

Examples

  • Watch out, the floor is wet near the entrance!
  • You should watch out for online scams during the holidays.
  • Watch out for that step; it's higher than it looks.
  • If you don't watch out, you'll end up missing the deadline.

Where it comes from

Usually intransitive or followed by 'for'. Slightly more urgent and conversational than 'be careful', and works well as a sharp spoken warning.

Related phrasal verbs

#look out#watch over#look after#hold on

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