peek

peek at someone or something

to sneak a glimpse at someone or something. Now, don't peek at me while I am changing my shirt. I peeked at the dessert you made. It looks delicious.

peek in(to something)

to steal a quick glimpse into something. Sam peeked into the oven to see what was cooking. Laura opened the oven door and peeked in.

peek out (from behind someone or something)

1. to look outward from behind someone or something. A shy kitten peeked out from behind the sofa. I looked toward the back of the sofa just as a little cat face peeked out.

2. to show just a little bit with the rest concealed behind someone or something. A bit of yellow peeked out from behind the tree, so we knew Frank was hiding there. We saw a flash of Frank's yellow shirt peek out.

See also: out

peek out (from underneath someone or something)

1. to look outward from beneath someone or something. A small furry face peeked out from underneath the sofa. At the base of the sofa, a cat peeked out.

2. to show just a little bit with the rest concealed under someone or something. Her petticoat peeked out from underneath her skirt. Her skirt was a tad too short and a little bit of her slip peeked out.

See also: out

peek out of something (at someone or something)

1. to be inside of something and take a look out. A pair of glimmering eyes peeked out of the darkened room at the two people standing at the door. I peeked out of my room at the eerie shadows in the hallway. Jerry peeked out of the bathroom to see if anyone was looking.

2. [for a little bit of something] to be revealed with the rest concealed within. A bit of white skin peeked out beneath his pants cuff.

See also: out

peek over something 

1. to examine something with a quick glance. I really can't say how good the story was. I only peeked over it. I peeked over your manuscript, and it looks good.

2. to raise up and look over some barrier. I peeked over the wall and saw the lovely garden. Don't peek over the sofa and let Roger see you. It will ruin the surprise.

peek through (something)

1. to peer or glimpse through something. I'll just peek through your picture album. I'll study it more carefully later. I only have time to peek through. I would like to spend more time with it later.

2. [for something] to become slightly visible through something. Mary, the lace of your slip is peeking throughyour blouse! Some lace is peeking through.

See also: through

peek under something

to sneak a little glance beneath something. I peeked under the table, hoping to see the dog waiting therefor the part of my dinner I wasn't going to eat. Peek under the chair and see if the cat is there.