Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'look high and low,' a timeless expression denoting a thorough search.
The phrase “look high and low” is a colloquial expression denoting the act of searching thoroughly and in all conceivable places. It implies an exhaustive and meticulous hunt for an object or information.
The phrase “look high and low” has its roots in the broader expression “high and low,” which dates back to approximately 1200. Historically, “high and low” referred to individuals of all social standings, encompassing both the high-born and low-born. This usage is evidenced in William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor (Act 2, Scene 1), where it denotes a range of social conditions: “He wooes both high and low, both rich and poor, both young and old.” The contemporary usage, which emerged later, shifts the focus from social strata to spatial dimensions, suggesting a search in all possible locations.
The semantic evolution of “look high and low” illustrates a shift from a social to a spatial context. In its current usage, the phrase emphasizes the thoroughness of a search, with “high” and “low” metaphorically representing all possible places. The expression conveys a sense of diligence and determination, often used when the object of the search proves elusive.
In contemporary culture, “look high and low” is frequently employed in both spoken and written English to describe an exhaustive search. It appears in various contexts, from casual conversations to literary works, often to emphasize the difficulty or frustration of finding something. For instance, in a narrative context, a character might lament, “I’ve looked high and low for the missing document, but it remains elusive.”
The phrase “look high and low” is versatile, applicable in various contexts. In professional settings, it might describe a comprehensive investigation or audit. Socially, it can refer to the frantic search for a misplaced item. In literary contexts, it often conveys a character’s desperation or thoroughness.
The phrase “look high and low” remains relevant in modern discourse due to its vivid imagery and expressive potential. Its durability is rated at ★★★★☆, indicating strong continued usage and recognition in both informal and formal contexts.
“He wooes both high and low, both rich and poor, both young and old.” - William Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor