Look Down On – Meaning and Examples

Sometimes people act like they are better than others. They might think certain jobs, hobbies, or people are not good enough. In English, we say these people look down on others. This idiom helps describe feelings of superiority in social situations.

What Does “To Look Down On” Mean?

“To look down on” means to think you are better than someone else, or to consider someone or something as inferior. Think of it like a person on a high mountain looking down at people in the valley below. It is not about physical height. It is about an attitude of superiority.

When to Use It

You can use this idiom when someone treats service workers poorly. Use it when people judge others for their choices in life. Use it in discussions about social class or education levels. It is a neutral phrase that describes a negative behavior.

Example Sentences

She looks down on people who didn’t go to college.
Don’t look down on manual labor—it’s honest work.
He looks down on anyone who doesn’t share his tastes in music.
I feel like my wealthy relatives look down on our simple lifestyle.

Mini Dialogue

Emma: “Why don’t you like talking to Mark?”

James: “He always looks down on my job as a delivery driver. It makes me uncomfortable.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember, this idiom is about attitude and judgment. It is not about physically looking downward.

❌ Don’t say: “I had to look down on the floor to find my keys.” (Use “look at” instead).
✅ Do say: “It’s not right to look down on people because of their background.”

Practice Tip

Think about a situation where someone might feel superior. Try making a sentence like, “Some people look down on those with different opinions.” This helps you understand the idiom’s use.

Final Note

You now understand how to use “to look down on” when describing attitudes of superiority. This phrase helps you talk about social dynamics and personal relationships more accurately. Use it carefully, as it describes negative behavior, and you’ll communicate this concept perfectly in English!

Give Out – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever handed out flyers at an event, shared someone’s phone number, or had a machine stop working from overuse? In English, all these situations can use the phrase give out. This practical phrasal verb has a few key meanings—and knowing them helps you speak more naturally in everyday life. What Does “Give Out”…
Crocodile Tears – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever seen someone cry or act upset—but you suspected they weren’t really sad? Maybe a coworker “sobbed” after losing a competition they didn’t care about, or a friend dramatically apologized without meaning it. In English, we call that crocodile tears! This vivid idiom describes fake, insincere, or exaggerated sadness—often used to manipulate or…
Cut Someone Some Slack – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever seen someone make a mistake, go through a tough time, or act a little off—and thought they just need a little understanding? Maybe a friend was late because of traffic, or a coworker seemed stressed and snapped at you. In English, you might say, “Just cut them some slack!” This kind idiom…
To Throw Out – Meaning and Examples

We often need to get rid of old things or say no to bad ideas. In English, a common way to say this is to throw out. You can throw out trash, or you can throw out a suggestion. This idiom is very practical for daily life. What Does “To Throw Out” Mean? “To throw…
Cry Over Spilled Milk – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever made a small mistake—like missing a bus, sending an email with a typo, or forgetting an appointment—and kept feeling upset about it long after it happened? In English, we say there’s no use crying over spilled milk! This comforting idiom means it’s pointless to worry or feel upset about something that’s already…
Build Up – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever trained slowly for a race, saved money over months, or felt tension grow before a big meeting? In English, we say you’re building up to something. This useful phrasal verb describes how things grow, strengthen, or increase little by little—whether it’s muscle, trust, pressure, or excitement. What Does “Build Up” Mean? “Build…