What does the expression "we are looking to you" mean in the following sentence?
Now that you have taken the test and have an understanding, we are looking to you to teach this to your subordinates.
asked Jul 17, 2012 at 13:23
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2 Answers
It means "we are expecting you" or "we have selected you".
Vague wording of this sort is sometimes used in an attempt to be less blunt (i.e to appear more polite) - as if they are merely hoping that you will be happy to volunteer your services.
Imagine a group of people standing in a circle, the leader asks "who can we get to teach the subordinates?" then she stares directly at you and waits in silence. The leader is looking to[wards] you.
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Ahahahaah, I loved the example =D. Thank you so much for the fast and clear answer! Jul 17, 2012 at 13:29
The Phrasal Verb "look to + someone" means:
- to need someone to do something for you
or
- to depend or rely on someone
Examples from Merriam-Webster include
• They look to me to fix the problem.
• She looked to her friends for help.
• Many parents look to their children to help them navigate the Internet.
