# look up and down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/look-up-and-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To scrutinize every aspect of someone's appearance, as to make a judgement or first impression of them.

## Examples

- The stranger looked me up and down when I walked in.
- She looked him up and down, clearly unimpressed by his messy clothes and lack of preparation.
- The security guard looked the visitor up and down with a suspicious gaze before finally allowing him to pass through the heavy iron gates.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.