zuǒ左leftgù顾lookyòu右rightpàn盼look
To look around; to glance right and left.
Literal meaning
left (左) — look (顾) — right (右) — look (盼)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase describing someone looking around cautiously or indecisively.
Examples
Tā zuǒgù-yòupàn, sìhū zài xúnzhǎo shénme.他左顾右盼，似乎在寻找什么。
He looked around, as if searching for something.
Bùyào zuǒgù-yòupàn, yào jízhōng jīnglì.不要左顾右盼，要集中精力。
Don't look around; concentrate.
Usage & nuances
Can imply caution, indecisiveness, or distraction.
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