Phrasal verb
watch out
Meanings
Used to warn someone to be careful and avoid immediate danger or a problem.
To pay close attention because something unpleasant or surprising may happen; to be on guard.
Definition
“Watch out” is used to warn someone to be careful because danger or trouble is near.
“Watch out” is a common warning meaning “be careful” or “pay attention to avoid danger.” People say it when something might hurt you, cause an accident, or create a problem. It is often used as an exclamation on its own or followed by “for” plus the danger (e.g., “watch out for cars”).
Examples
- Watch out—there’s ice on the steps.
- You should watch out for scooters on this street.
- He told his little brother to watch out near the pool.
- We need to watch out for sudden changes in the schedule.
- They watched out for falling rocks as they walked along the trail.
Common mistake
Learners often say “watch out about” instead of the correct form “watch out for” plus the danger.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.