be on the prowl

IPA/biː ɒnðə pɹˈaʊl/
IPA/biː ɔnðə pɹˈaʊl/

be on the prowl — idiom

1. to move around a place in a quiet, secret way, often while looking for someone o

1.慣用語C1
釋義

to move around a place in a quiet, secret way, often while looking for someone or something without wanting to be noticed

例句

A stray cat was on the prowl behind the fish market at dawn.

animal moving secretly while looking for food

After the alarm rang, two guards were on the prowl by the fence.

be on the prowl after signs of trouble

同義詞
  • skulk around

    stresses suspicious secret movement, often with a negative feeling

  • hunt around

    focuses more on searching actively and less on avoiding notice

  • lurk

    usually suggests staying hidden in one place rather than moving around

文法句型

be on the prowl

be on the prowl for someone

be on the prowl at night

用法筆記

Often describes animals, police, guards, or people looking for an opportunity. The phrase suggests quiet movement and a sense that the person or animal does not want others to notice them.

常見錯誤

❌The cat was in the prowl behind the shop.
✅The cat was on the prowl behind the shop.
💡this fixed phrase uses on, not in.
❌We were on the prowl the answer online.
✅We were on the prowl for the answer online.
💡use for before the person or thing being sought.