ENGLISH
REFERENCE

look up to

idiom
Meaning

To show respect or admiration for (someone); to see (someone) as a role model.


Examples
SIMPLE

I look up to my older sister.

CONTEXTUAL

Many young athletes look up to professional players who show great sportsmanship on the field.

COMPLEX

Throughout his long career, he continued to look up to the mentors who had guided him during his early years in the profession.

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