Look forward

Meaning

The idiom "look forward" is used to express anticipation or eagerness for something to happen or a future event. It can also be used to indicate that someone is ready and willing to participate in an activity or situation.

Usage

• I look forward to meeting my new colleagues on Monday.
• We can't wait to celebrate our anniversary in Paris next month.
• The kids are really looking forward to their summer vacation.
• My parents always look forward to seeing me when I come home from college.
• It's time for us to start looking forward to a better future.

Roots and History

The idiom "look forward" has been in use since the 16th century, with the earliest known use appearing in John Heywood's "A Dialogue Conteinyng the Nomber in Effect of All the Prouerbes in the Englishe Tongue" in 1546. The phrase was originally used to mean "to anticipate or expect something with pleasure". Over time, it has evolved to simply express anticipation or eagerness for a future event.

Synonyms in English

• Wait eagerly
• Await excitedly
• Expectantly look forward to
• Anticipate with joy
• Look forward to with anticipation

Synonyms in other languages

• Español: Esperar animadamente, aguantar con ansia. (Wait eagerly, wait anxiously)
• Français: Attendre avec impatience, s'attendre à quelque chose. (Wait with impatience, await something)
• German: Erwarten mit Freude, mit Freude auf einen Termin hinauslaufen. (Anticipate with joy, wait until a deadline is over)
• Italian: Aspettare con entusiasmo, aspettare attivamente. (Wait with enthusiasm, wait actively)
• Russian: Ждать с радостью, ожидать. (Wait with joy, await)

Similar Idioms

• blind as a bat

• bat an eye

• lead astray