To look askance at something means to view it with suspicion, disapproval, or distrust. When you look askance at someone's explanation, you're not buying it. You might literally glance at them sideways with a skeptical expression, or you might just have serious doubts about what they're saying.

Imagine a student claiming their dog ate their homework for the third time this month. The teacher would probably look askance at that excuse. Or picture someone offering to sell a brand new phone for five dollars: most people would look askance at such a deal, sensing something fishy.

The word carries a sense of wariness. When neighbors look askance at a stranger's story about why they're looking into car windows, they are being cautious. When a friend looks askance at your plan to build a treehouse without any tools or wood, they're questioning whether you've thought this through.

You can look askance at ideas, explanations, offers, or behaviors. The word suggests you're keeping your guard up rather than accepting something at face value. Looking askance can be wise: it means you're thinking critically instead of believing everything you hear.