look-in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-MediumInformal
Quick answer
What does “look-in” mean?
A chance to participate, succeed, or be noticed, especially when competition is involved.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chance to participate, succeed, or be noticed, especially when competition is involved.
A brief glance, a quick check, or a passing look; also used informally to refer to a spectator's chance to watch an event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is predominantly British and Commonwealth English. It is understood but less common in American English, where 'a shot,' 'a chance,' or 'a crack' might be preferred.
Connotations
In British usage, it often carries a connotation of being hard-won or minimal, sometimes with a slight tone of self-deprecation or sympathy.
Frequency
Common in British informal speech and journalism; rare in formal American contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “look-in” in a Sentence
[Subject] + get/have/stand + a + look-in[Subject] + not/get + any + look-in[Subject] + give + [Indirect Object] + a + look-inVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"With the new dominant player in the market, smaller suppliers aren't getting a look-in."
Academic
Rare; used informally: "In discussions dominated by senior researchers, PhD students rarely get a look-in."
Everyday
"My brother hogs the TV remote – I never get a look-in with my favourite shows."
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “look-in”
- Using it as a phrasal verb ('look in on someone'). Using it without a determiner ('He got look-in'). Confusing it with 'look-in' meaning a quick visit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in this idiomatic sense it is a compound noun. The phrasal verb 'look in (on someone)' means to visit briefly.
Yes, but it's less common. E.g., 'If you're lucky, you might get a look-in.' However, it most frequently appears in negative contexts ('no/not any/not much of a look-in').
'A look-in' implies a small, marginal, or highly competitive chance. It suggests you are barely considered or allowed to participate.
It is informal and colloquial, typical of spoken British English and informal writing.
A chance to participate, succeed, or be noticed, especially when competition is involved.
Look-in: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlʊk ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlʊk ˌɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not get a look-in”
- “hardly get a look-in”
- “stand/get a look-in”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a crowded ticket booth: if you don't get a LOOK-IN, you can't even get close enough to see the ticket seller.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPORTUNITY IS PHYSICAL ACCESS (to a space or an object).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'not get a look-in' in this sentence: 'When the awards were handed out, the supporting actors didn't get a look-in.'?