Definition
左顾右盼 (zuǒ gù yòu pàn) describes glancing left and right in a hesitant, unfocused way, often implying uncertainty or sneakiness. 东张西望 (dōng zhāng xī wàng) focuses more on being distracted or fidgety, with a broader 'looking all around' that suggests restlessness. While both mean 'look around', 左顾右盼 carries cautious or hesitant searching, whereas 东张西望 feels like a lack of concentration.
idiom
to glance left and rightto look around in a hesitant or unfocused manner
Examples
- 左顾右盼，。Tā zhàn zài ménkǒu zuǒ gù yòu pàn, hǎoxiàng zài děng shénme rén.He stood at the door looking left and right, as if waiting for someone.
- 左顾右盼，。Kǎoshì de shíhou bú yào zuǒ gù yòu pàn, yào zhuānxīn zuò tí.During exams, don't look around; focus on answering the questions.
- 左顾右盼。Tā zuǒ gù yòu pàn de yàngzi ràng rén juéde hěn kěyí.The way she kept glancing around made people find her suspicious.
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