smile at / on

[Lenka]

Is there a difference between these two phrasal verbs? Or do they mean the same?

to smile at
to smile on

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by Lenka

Is there a difference between these two phrasal verbs? Or do they mean the same?

There is a difference, Lenka.

to smile at

This is a normal neutral way of describing a "directional smile.

to smile on

This has a figurative meaning. It means that someone looks with favor upon another/others.

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American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms
smile on

Look with favor or approval on, as in The current administration smiles on anyone who gives it helpful publicity. [c. 1400]


The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

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[Lenka]

Thank you, riverkid....

Well, I did have a look into some dictionaries before I asked my question here, but it seemed to me, the meaning is very similar...

Could you write down a sentence with "to look on"? I don't undersand the meaning (of "to look on") very well.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by Lenka

Thank you, riverkid....

You're very welcome. Lenka.

Well, I did have a look into some dictionaries before I asked my question here, but it seemed to me, the meaning is very similar...

Similar for which meanings, 'look' or 'smile', Lenka?

Could you write down a sentence with "to look on"? I don't undersand the meaning (of "to look on") very well.

I think you know that 'look on' and 'smile on' have different meanings, don't you, Lenka?

'look on' means observe something, usually without becomig involved.

The students performed the science experiment while the teacher looked on.

[Lenka]

Originally Posted by riverkid

I think you know that 'look on' and 'smile on' have different meanings, don't you, Lenka?

'look on' means observe something, usually without becomig involved.

The students performed the science experiment while the teacher looked on.

I mean the difference between "to smile at" and "to smile on". I am very stupid... I don't know why I wrote "to look on"! Maybe I was thinking about something which made me write something completely different from what I wanted :). You know, everyone makes such mistakes sometimes.

So, could you explain "to smile on", please?