look over something—
1. (of a room, etc.) have a view of smth. (also: look on something):
- In each bungalow there is a balcony looking over the bay.
2. choose not to notice smth.; ignore smth.:
- I’ll look over your carelessness this time, but be more careful in future.
3. examine or study smth. carefully:
- When he sat down to write in his journal, he would look over his notes and sketches.
Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with the phrase overlook something—
1. = look over something 1:
- Breakfast is served on request and can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the garden.
2. = look over something 2:
- I decided to overlook his unkindness to me and gave him a hand.
3. Fail to see or notice smth.:
- The hospital declared the transplant a success, but they had apparently overlooked the risk from the man’s high blood pressure.
watch over something—
1. guard smth.:
- At the strike of midnight, the guard will change and continue watch over the jewels.
2. take care of smth.:
- The committee’s responsibility is to watch over the safety of the workers.
See also: oversee something / see over something.