ENGLISH
REFERENCE

look through

idiom
Meaning

To appear or pretend not to see something or someone who is clearly visible.


Examples
SIMPLE

He looked right through me when I said hello.

CONTEXTUAL

She was so angry that she looked through her former friend at the party.

COMPLEX

Despite his desperate attempts to catch her attention, she looked through him as if he were merely a ghost in the crowded room.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    butcher's

    [Cockney slang]look

  2. 02

    dirty look

    An unpleasant or disdainful look or expression, often directed at someone.

  3. 03

    look ahere

    Synonym of look here.

  4. 04

    look as if one had lost a shilling and found sixpence

    To look very disappointed.

  5. 05

    look as if one has lost a shilling and found sixpence

    To look annoyed or displeased.

  6. 06

    look before one leaps

    To think before taking action.

  7. 07

    look down on

    To regard or treat as inferior.

  8. 08

    look down one's nose

    To regard as inferior or distasteful; to hold in contempt.

Last updated April 17, 2026