Look Out For Number One – Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, using idiomatic expressions naturally and correctly can boost your score, especially in the Lexical Resource criterion. Today’s idiom, “Look out for number one,” is useful when describing self-centered behavior, prioritizing personal needs, or putting oneself first.

Meaning of Look Out For Number One

Definition: To look out for number one means to put yourself first, focusing on your own needs, goals, or interests above others. It often suggests being self-centered, though it can sometimes be used in a positive sense when self-care is important.

Origin of the Idiom Look Out For Number One

The idiom comes from the idea that “number one” refers to yourself. Over time, it became a way to describe people who prioritize their own interests before considering others, whether in daily life, work, or relationships.

Usage of Look Out For Number One in Context

Here are some example sentences showing how the idiom is used in the IELTS Speaking: 

• “The only way to succeed in such a competitive business is to look out for number one.”
• “It doesn’t always make you selfish if you look out for number one and prioritize your mental health.”
• “Jack always looks out for number one, which is why his colleagues don’t enjoy working with him.”

Pro tip: Use this idiom when describing selfish behavior, personal priorities, or situations where someone puts themselves before others.

When to Use the Idiom Look Out For Number One

You can use this idiom in IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, or IELTS Speaking Part 3 when:

• Talking about selfish or self-centered people.
• Describing situations where someone put their needs first.
• Discussing whether prioritizing oneself is positive or negative.

Idiom Scenarios

Scenario 1
Sam: Why don’t you like working with Jack?
Asha: Because he always looks out for number one, and never supports the team.

Scenario 2
Mia: Do you think it’s bad to prioritize yourself?
Arjun: Not always. Sometimes you have to look out for number one to protect your health.

Sample Answer Using the Idiom Look Out For Number One

IELTS Speaking Part 2  – Describe a person you don’t like to talk with.

Sample Answer:
“One person I don’t really enjoy talking with is a colleague from my office. I usually meet him during team meetings, but I try to keep the conversations short. He’s the kind of person who always thinks about himself first. For example, he takes credit for group work, interrupts others, and avoids helping anyone. You could say he always looks out for number one. That attitude makes him unpleasant to interact with, and I prefer not to spend time with him. It’s frustrating because teamwork requires cooperation, not self-centeredness.”

IELTS Vocabulary Tip for Look Out For Number One

Using idioms like look out for number one makes your IELTS Speaking answers sound fluent, natural, and flexible. It is especially effective when describing people’s personalities, workplace challenges, or discussions about selfishness vs. self-care.

Exercise: Look Out For Number One

Multiple-Choice Question
Q1: “Fred took the last piece of cake. He always __________________.”

a) the name of the game
b) are two of a kind
c) look out for number one 
d) tough it out

Correct Answer: c) look out for number one 

Fill-in-the-Blank
Q2: “She never helps her classmates because she only __________________.”

a) looks out for number one 
b) raises the bar
c) plays it safe
d) hits the nail on the head

Correct Answer: a) looks out for number one 

To sum up, look out for number one is a useful idiom for IELTS Speaking when describing selfishness, self-prioritization, or personal boundaries. Whether you use it to criticize someone’s attitude or to highlight the importance of self-care, this idiom helps you sound natural and expressive. If you’re aiming for a higher band score, make sure to practice idioms in context and check out the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+