Watch out! / Look out!

[0775] Be careful

🎲 Watch your back
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A general instruction or piece of advice to exercise caution and attentiveness to avoid potential danger, mistakes, or problems.
  • Less urgent than Watch out! and can apply to a wider range of situations, not just immediate physical threats.

Origin

  • A simple imperative phrase. Careful means attentive, cautious, and thorough (literally full of care).

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Take care. (Often used when parting)
  • Watch yourself.
  • Stay safe.
  • Mind how you go. (Chiefly British English)
  • Exercise caution. (More formal)
  • Proceed with caution.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Watch yourself. / Watch ya self.
  • Keep your head on a swivel. (Be alert to surroundings)
  • Easy does it. (When handling something delicate or doing a tricky task)
  • Play it safe.

Milder/Standard:

  • Take care.
  • Please be cautious.

More Formal:

  • Exercise due caution.
  • Prudence is advised.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Highly versatile. Appropriate in almost any situation, informal or formal, where caution is warranted.
  • Can express concern, give instruction, or offer advice.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Generally very clear. The tone of voice helps differentiate between mild concern and a more serious warning.

Examples

  • Be careful when you cross the street.
  • Be careful with that knife, it's very sharp.
  • Be careful what you promise; make sure you can deliver.
  • The floor is wet, be careful.

Dialogue

Parent: Okay, have fun at the park!

Child: I will! Bye!

Parent: Be careful on the swings! Don't go too high!

Child: Okay, Mom!

Social Media Examples

  • Comment on someone's travel plans: Have an amazing trip! Be careful and send pictures! #travel #adventure
  • Safety PSA post: Winter roads can be treacherous. Please drive slowly and be careful. #roadsafety #winterdriving

Response Patterns

  • Okay, I will.
  • Thanks, you too. (If appropriate, e.g., both leaving)
  • Don't worry, I'll be fine.
  • Will do.
  • Got it.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • If the reason for caution isn't obvious, the listener might ask: Why? Is there something I should know?
  • The listener typically acknowledges the warning and acts more cautiously.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Typically used as a concluding remark, advice within a context, or a specific warning.

Intonation

  • Can vary from gentle concern to a firmer warning.
  • Stress usually falls on careful.
  • Example (gentle): Be careful driving home. Example (firm): Be careful, that wire might be live.

Generation Differences

  • Universal. Used by all age groups.

Regional Variations

  • Universal in English.
  • Mind how you go is a common British variant, especially when saying goodbye.
Watch out! / Look out!
🎲 Watch your back