(by/from) the look(s) of (it/things)
Meaning(s)
1. based on current information or how things appear
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
by/from the look of it, we will not be finished on time
Analysis
When you say ‘by the looks of things’ you are basing your next comment on the information you have to hand now or on how things appear from your point of view. This is a casual phrase used more often in social contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- By the looks of things, she hasn't been home for a while. Her letterbox is full of unopened mail.
- The traffic is bumper to bumper at the moment. By the look of it, we're going to be late getting there.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- From the look of things, there's no way we will get the project finished on time. There are just too many people not pulling their weight at the moment.
- This is doing to be more difficult than we thought. By the looks of it, there are a number of forms we need to fill out and applications to complete.