look carelessly

[/lʊk ˈkeərləsli/]
verb phrase
olhar descuidadamente
1. to direct one's gaze without attention or concern; to observe something in a negligent or inattentive manner
She looked carelessly at the document before signing it.
Ela olhou descuidadamente para o documento antes de assiná-lo.
2. to glance at something without proper focus or scrutiny
He looked carelessly around the room, not noticing the broken vase.
Ele olhou descuidadamente ao redor da sala, não notando o vaso quebrado.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese to describe situations where someone fails to notice important details due to lack of attention. In Brazilian culture, it's often used to humorously describe overlooking obvious facts, while in American English it can carry a more serious implication of negligence or irresponsibility.
NYC Slang
scope something out without really looking
Synonyms / Sinônimos
glance carelesslylook casuallylook negligentlypeek without attentiongaze absent-mindedly
Antonyms / Antônimos
look carefullyexamine closelyscrutinizeobserve attentivelystudy intently

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
olhar descuidadamente
most common and neutral form
Rio de Janeiro
dar uma olhadinha descuidada
more colloquial and informal usage
São Paulo
olhar sem atenção
alternative phrasing used in business contexts
Portugal
olhar descuidadamente
same as Brazilian Portuguese; European Portuguese uses similar phrasing

Related Words

carelesscarelesslynegligenceinattentiongazeoversight

Related Idioms & Phrases

not pay attention
turn a blind eye
miss something obvious
look the other way
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