The phrase "looking forward" refers to the feeling of excitement or anticipation for something that will happen in the future. When someone says they are "looking forward" to an event, they are expressing eagerness or hope for that event to occur. It conveys a positive outlook and a sense of joy about what is to come.
The phrase "looking forward" combines the verb "look," which comes from Old English "locian," meaning to see or to direct one’s gaze, and "forward," which derives from the Old English "forweard," meaning towards the front or in the direction that one is facing. Together, they convey the idea of directing one's gaze (or thoughts) towards positive future events.