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Eye Idioms

10 Eye Idioms

10 Eye-Catching Idioms You Need to Know

The eyes are one of the most important parts of our bodies. We use them every day, not just to see but also in the way we speak! Many idioms in English use the word “eye” to express emotions, ideas, or situations. Let’s look at 10 common eye idioms and what they mean in simple English.

Keep an Eye on Something

To watch something carefully.

Can you keep an eye on my suitcase while I go get a coffee?
The security guard kept an eye on the door all night.

In the Blink of an Eye

Very quickly or in a short time.

The cat jumped over the fence in the blink of an eye.
The storm was over in the blink of an eye.

Catch Someone’s Eye

To get someone’s attention.

The bright red dress caught her eye as she walked past the store.
That painting really caught my eye when I entered the gallery.

Turn a Blind Eye

To ignore something bad.

The manager turned a blind eye when his friend was late for work.
She turned a blind eye to the mess in the kitchen because she was too tired.

See Eye to Eye

To agree with someone.

My brother and I see eye to eye on most things.
They don’t always see eye to eye when it comes to politics.

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An Eye for an Eye

If someone hurts you, they should be hurt in the same way.

The old laws were based on an eye for an eye.
Some people believe in forgiveness, not in an eye for an eye.

All Eyes on Me

Everyone is looking at me or paying attention to me.

When she started singing, it was all eyes on her.
After the accident, all eyes were on the driver.

Eyes Bigger Than Your Stomach

To take more food than you can eat.

He filled his plate with food, but his eyes were bigger than his stomach.
She ordered a large dessert, but her eyes were bigger than her stomach.

Cry Your Eyes Out

To cry a lot and very hard.

She cried her eyes out after watching that sad movie.
He cried his eyes out when his dog ran away.

In the Public Eye

Famous or well-known.

Actors are always in the public eye and must be careful of what they say.
The politician has been in the public eye for many years.

Be All Eyes

To be very focused on something or someone. We also have the idiom “to be all ears” which means to listen to someone carefully.

When the magician started his trick, the kids were all eyes.
I’m all eyes, so show me what you’ve got!

Have an Eye for Something

To be good at noticing or appreciating something.

She has an eye for fashion and always looks stylish.
As a photographer, he has an eye for capturing beautiful moments.

Open Someone’s Eyes

To make someone realize something they didn’t know before.

Traveling opened my eyes to new cultures and lifestyles.
The documentary opened her eyes to the effects of climate change.

With One’s Eyes Shut

To do something easily or without effort.

I’ve practiced this song so much, I can play it with my eyes shut.
He’s driven this route so often, he could do it with his eyes shut.

Apple of Your Eye

Someone or something very important and precious to you that you care about or love.

My daughter is the apple of my eye; I would do anything for her.
Ever since he got his new puppy, it’s been the apple of his eye.

If you found eye idioms useful, don’t miss out on death idioms!

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