look like: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘look like’ mean?

The idiom "look like" means to resemble or have a similar appearance to something or someone.

Idiom Explorer

Decoding Appearance

The idiom "look like" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is a phrasal verb formed by the verb "look" and the preposition "like." The idiom is used to describe the physical appearance or resemblance of someone or something. When using this idiom, the verb "look" refers to visual perception or observation, while the preposition "like" expresses similarity or comparison.

This idiom can be used in various tenses, such as present, past, or future, to indicate the appearance of someone or something at a specific time. It is often used in informal spoken language as well as in written form, capturing the essence of visual representation.

The visual perception of their appearance displayed resemblance.

The idiom "look the part" is a related phrase that is often used in conjunction with "look like." It means to have an appearance that matches a certain role or character. For example, if someone is auditioning for a role in a play, they need to "look the part" by dressing and presenting themselves in a way that matches the character they are trying to portray.

The idiom "be like" is another related phrase that is commonly used in informal conversations. It is used to describe someone's reaction or behavior in a particular situation. For instance, if someone sees a scary movie and gets scared, they might say, "I was watching the movie and I was like, 'Oh my God!'" This use of "be like" is a way to express one's thoughts or feelings in a casual and relatable manner.

The idiom "like mother, like daughter" is a phrase used to describe the similarity between a mother and her daughter in terms of appearance or behavior. It implies that the daughter has inherited certain qualities or traits from her mother. For example, if a mother and daughter both have curly hair, someone might say, "Like mother, like daughter." This idiom highlights the resemblance between the two individuals and emphasizes their familial connection.

The idiom "look like" can be applied to describe the physical appearance of people, objects, or even abstract concepts. It finds frequent usage in everyday conversations, allowing individuals to convey a clear visual image. It can also be used metaphorically to portray the resemblance of qualities or characteristics between two different entities. With its versatility and broad application, the idiom "look like" remains a vital part of the English language, enabling effective communication and engaging expression.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "look like" can be used in a sentence:

1. She looks like her mother, with the same color hair and similar facial features.

2. The new restaurant looks like it will be a popular spot, with a full parking lot every night.

3. He looks like he's had a long day, with tired eyes and slumped shoulders.

More "Appearance" idioms