Eyes are important to how we understand the world. They help us see and connect with everything around us. In language, we use many idioms that mention eyes. These idioms often describe how people feel, what they notice, or how they act. They give special meaning to everyday situations.
In this article, we will explore different idioms related to eyes. Each one has its own meaning and way of being used. Some are fun, while others might make you think. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how we use eyes in everyday expressions. Let’s take a closer look!
Idioms About Eyes
1. Apple of one’s eye
Meaning: Someone who is very special to you.
Example Sentence:
- Sarah is the apple of her father’s eye.
- He’s the apple of my eye, and I can’t imagine life without him.
Other ways to say: Beloved, favorite
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the old English word for the central part of the eye, which was seen as something very precious.
Usage: Often used to show deep love or affection.
2. A sight for sore eyes
Meaning: Someone or something that makes you happy to see.
Example Sentence:
- After the long trip, my bed was a sight for sore eyes.
- You’re a sight for sore eyes; I’ve missed you!
Other ways to say: A welcome sight, a relief to see
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase suggests that something is so pleasant it helps to “soothe” tired or sore eyes.
Usage: Used when you’re happy to see someone or something.
3. Keep an eye on
Meaning: To watch closely or take care of something.
Example Sentence:
- Can you keep an eye on my backpack while I go to the bathroom?
- We need to keep an eye on the cookies so they don’t burn.
Other ways to say: Watch closely, monitor
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of paying attention, as if your eyes are the ones doing the work.
Usage: Used when you need to supervise something.
4. Eye for an eye
Meaning: To get back at someone in a similar way they hurt you.
Example Sentence:
- He broke my toy, so I gave him an eye for an eye by breaking his.
- The movie showed a lot of eye-for-an-eye situations between the heroes and villains.
Other ways to say: Revenge, payback
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying comes from an ancient law called “Lex Talionis,” which means punishment should match the crime.
Usage: Used when someone takes revenge.
5. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Something happens very quickly.
Example Sentence:
- The car zoomed past me in the blink of an eye.
- The game ended in the blink of an eye.
Other ways to say: In an instant, in no time
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase refers to how fast it takes for your eye to blink.
Usage: Used to describe something happening very fast.
6. Turn a blind eye
Meaning: To ignore something on purpose.
Example Sentence:
- He turned a blind eye to his friend’s bad behavior.
- I had to turn a blind eye to the mess in the kitchen.
Other ways to say: Ignore, pretend not to notice
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from naval history when sailors would purposely “close” one eye to avoid seeing something.
Usage: Used when someone deliberately ignores something.
7. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Meaning: What one person finds beautiful, another may not.
Example Sentence:
- To me, the old painting is a work of art, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
- You might think the movie is boring, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Other ways to say: Different people have different tastes, beauty is subjective
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been around for centuries, showing how personal views on beauty can be.
Usage: Used when talking about different tastes or opinions on beauty.
8. Cry one’s eyes out
Meaning: To cry a lot or for a long time.
Example Sentence:
- She cried her eyes out when she lost her dog.
- After the movie, I cried my eyes out.
Other ways to say: Sob, weep
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase emphasizes how much crying can feel like it takes all your energy.
Usage: Used to describe a lot of crying.
9. Keep one’s eyes peeled
Meaning: To stay alert and watch carefully.
Example Sentence:
- Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of a deer in the woods.
- Keep your eyes peeled; the bus could be coming any minute now.
Other ways to say: Be on the lookout, stay alert
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is based on the idea that you need to “peel” your eyes wide open to see everything.
Usage: Used when someone needs to stay vigilant.
10. The eye of the storm
Meaning: The calm center of a difficult or chaotic situation.
Example Sentence:
- In the middle of the argument, she was the eye of the storm, staying calm.
- During the busy day, the break room was like the eye of the storm.
Other ways to say: Calm in the chaos, center of calm
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from weather, where the eye of a storm is peaceful while everything around it is wild.
Usage: Used to describe a calm spot during a stressful time.
11. See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree with someone.
Example Sentence:
- My friend and I see eye to eye on most things, especially movies.
- They didn’t see eye to eye on the best way to solve the problem.
Other ways to say: Agree, be on the same page
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea that people’s eyes should line up if they agree.
Usage: Used when two people agree.
12. Give someone the eye
Meaning: To look at someone in a way that shows interest or disapproval.
Example Sentence:
- He gave her the eye when she walked into the room.
- I caught her giving me the eye across the table.
Other ways to say: Glance at, look at
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression refers to the way people use their eyes to show emotions or feelings.
Usage: Used when someone looks at another person in a particular way.
13. Catch someone’s eye
Meaning: To attract someone’s attention.
Example Sentence:
- The bright colors of the dress caught my eye.
- Her new shoes really caught my eye when she walked by.
Other ways to say: Attract attention, get noticed
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea that something is so interesting it gets your eyes to look at it.
Usage: Used when something draws your attention.
14. All eyes on
Meaning: Everyone is watching or paying attention to something.
Example Sentence:
- At the talent show, all eyes were on her performance.
- During the meeting, all eyes were on the boss as she spoke.
Other ways to say: All attention on, the focus of everyone
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase emphasizes how everyone’s eyes are turned toward the same thing.
Usage: Used when something is the center of attention.
15. Eye opener
Meaning: Something that surprises or teaches you something new.
Example Sentence:
- The documentary was an eye-opener about climate change.
- Her story was an eye-opener, and I learned so much.
Other ways to say: Revelation, surprising discovery
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that something unexpected can “open” your eyes to new knowledge.
Usage: Used when something teaches you something new or surprises you.
16. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Something happens so quickly that you barely notice it.
Example Sentence:
- The magician disappeared in the blink of an eye.
- The race was over in the blink of an eye.
Other ways to say: In an instant, in no time
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to how fast it takes for your eye to blink.
Usage: Used to describe something happening very fast.
17. Eye candy
Meaning: Someone or something that is very attractive or pleasing to look at.
Example Sentence:
- The new movie star was real eye candy.
- The flowers in the garden were pure eye candy.
Other ways to say: Attractive, good-looking
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase refers to something visually pleasing, like candy being sweet and enjoyable.
Usage: Used to describe something or someone that is visually appealing.
18. The eyes have it
Meaning: When someone is the winner or when something is agreed upon by everyone.
Example Sentence:
- After a vote, the eyes have it, and we will go with the new plan.
- The eyes have it—everyone agreed to the proposal.
Other ways to say: Majority agrees, it’s decided
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase was often used in parliamentary debates and meetings when the majority decided on a matter.
Usage: Used when something is agreed upon by a group.
19. A twinkle in one’s eye
Meaning: A sign that someone is happy or mischievous.
Example Sentence:
- She had a twinkle in her eye when she told her funny story.
- There was a twinkle in his eye as he planned his surprise.
Other ways to say: Sparkle, glimmer
Fun Fact/Origin: The twinkle refers to the way light reflects in your eye when you’re excited or happy.
Usage: Used when someone’s eyes show joy or excitement.
20. With an eye to
Meaning: Doing something with a plan or purpose in mind.
Example Sentence:
- She made changes to the project with an eye to improving it.
- He saved money with an eye to buying a new bike.
Other ways to say: Aiming for, planning on
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from focusing your “eye” on a goal or purpose.
Usage: Used when someone is planning or preparing for something in the future.
21. Eye of a needle
Meaning: A very small opening or difficult task.
Example Sentence:
- Threading the needle was like finding the eye of a needle.
- Getting into that school was like trying to get through the eye of a needle.
Other ways to say: Narrow, hard to achieve
Fun Fact/Origin: The “eye” of the needle refers to the tiny hole where thread passes through, symbolizing something small and difficult.
Usage: Used to describe something very narrow or difficult to achieve.
22. Have an eye for
Meaning: To have a good ability to notice or understand something.
Example Sentence:
- She has an eye for design and can pick out the perfect decor.
- He has an eye for talent and can spot good players easily.
Other ways to say: Be good at spotting, have a talent for
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to the ability to notice things clearly and quickly, like the sharpness of your eyesight.
Usage: Used when someone has a natural skill or ability in a certain area.
23. Bigger fish to fry
Meaning: To have more important things to do.
Example Sentence:
- I can’t help you with that right now; I’ve got bigger fish to fry.
- She’s busy with bigger fish to fry, like finishing her project.
Other ways to say: More important matters, bigger priorities
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression has been around for centuries and originally referred to cooking, where the bigger fish was the better meal.
Usage: Used when someone has more important things to focus on.
24. A bird’s-eye view
Meaning: A view from a high or wide perspective.
Example Sentence:
- From the top of the hill, we had a bird’s-eye view of the city.
- The drone gave us a bird’s-eye view of the park.
Other ways to say: Overview, wide view
Fun Fact/Origin: This refers to how birds can see things from a high-up position, allowing them to see more.
Usage: Used when describing a wide or high perspective of something.
25. Eye-catching
Meaning: Something that grabs your attention or looks very interesting.
Example Sentence:
- The new poster was so eye-catching that everyone stopped to look at it.
- Her eye-catching dress turned heads at the party.
Other ways to say: Attention-grabbing, striking
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase emphasizes how something is so attractive that it makes your eyes focus on it.
Usage: Used to describe something that is visually appealing.
26. With an eye on the prize
Meaning: Focusing on your goal or what you want to achieve.
Example Sentence:
- She kept an eye on the prize and worked hard to win the race.
- With an eye on the prize, he studied all night for the test.
Other ways to say: Focused on the goal, determined to succeed
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression refers to staying focused on the reward you’re aiming for, just like you would focus your eyes on something important.
Usage: Used when someone is focused on achieving something.
27. An eye on the clock
Meaning: To keep track of time or be aware of the time.
Example Sentence:
- We had an eye on the clock to make sure we weren’t late.
- With an eye on the clock, he wrapped up his speech just in time.
Other ways to say: Watch the time, keep track of time
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression comes from the idea of focusing on time, like keeping your eyes on the clock to stay aware of it.
Usage: Used when someone is aware of or tracking time closely.
28. Eye-watering
Meaning: Something so extreme or large that it’s almost unbelievable.
Example Sentence:
- The prices at the store were eye-watering, with some items costing hundreds of dollars.
- The mountain’s height was eye-watering, towering over everything else.
Other ways to say: Shocking, extreme
Fun Fact/Origin: Originally used to describe something so shocking or large it made your eyes water, like seeing something overwhelming.
Usage: Used to describe something that is astonishing or extreme.
29. A feast for the eyes
Meaning: Something that is very visually pleasing or beautiful to look at.
Example Sentence:
- The garden was a feast for the eyes with all the colorful flowers.
- The sunset over the ocean was a real feast for the eyes.
Other ways to say: Beautiful sight, visual delight
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression comes from the idea that something beautiful is like food for your eyes, making them “full” with enjoyment.
Usage: Used when something is visually stunning or attractive.
30. Eye of the tiger
Meaning: To have strong focus and determination, especially in tough situations.
Example Sentence:
- He showed the eye of the tiger when he focused on winning the race.
- She kept the eye of the tiger while preparing for her big presentation.
Other ways to say: Determined, focused
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase became popular from the song “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, which was used as the theme for a popular movie.
Usage: Used to describe someone with great focus and determination.
31. To lay eyes on
Meaning: To see or look at someone or something for the first time.
Example Sentence:
- I hadn’t laid eyes on my friend in years until I saw her at the reunion.
- The first time I laid eyes on that puppy, I knew I had to adopt him.
Other ways to say: See, look at
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase emphasizes the act of noticing something for the first time, as if laying your eyes on it.
Usage: Used when talking about seeing something or someone for the first time.
32. Keep one’s eyes open
Meaning: To stay alert and watch carefully.
Example Sentence:
- Keep your eyes open for any signs of trouble.
- She kept her eyes open as she walked through the busy streets.
Other ways to say: Stay alert, stay aware
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of keeping your eyes wide open to notice everything around you.
Usage: Used when telling someone to be aware or vigilant.
33. Have eyes in the back of one’s head
Meaning: To be very aware of what’s going on around you, even behind you.
Example Sentence:
- My teacher seems to have eyes in the back of her head; she always knows when we’re misbehaving.
- Parents always seem to have eyes in the back of their heads when it comes to their kids!
Other ways to say: Be super aware, have great awareness
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests that someone has the ability to sense things without actually being able to see them.
Usage: Used when someone seems very aware of their surroundings.
34. Eye shadow
Meaning: A cosmetic product applied to the eyelids to add color.
Example Sentence:
- She wore purple eyeshadow that matched her dress perfectly.
- I like to wear a light eye shadow for a more natural look.
Other ways to say: Makeup, eyelid color
Fun Fact/Origin: Eye shadow has been used since ancient times, with Egyptians often using it to decorate their eyes.
Usage: Used when referring to makeup applied to the eyes.
35. Through the eyes of someone
Meaning: Seeing something from someone else’s perspective.
Example Sentence:
- To understand his actions, I tried to see it through his eyes.
- She looked at the world through the eyes of a teacher.
Other ways to say: From someone’s point of view, from their perspective
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that everyone sees things differently based on their experiences and feelings.
Usage: Used when trying to understand how someone else feels or sees things.
36. Eye strain
Meaning: Discomfort or pain in the eyes caused by too much focus on something.
Example Sentence:
- After reading for hours, I felt a bit of eye strain.
- Spending too much time on the computer can cause eye strain.
Other ways to say: Tired eyes, eye discomfort
Fun Fact/Origin: This term is used in health to describe the discomfort that comes from prolonged activities that require focusing your eyes.
Usage: Used when talking about eye discomfort caused by overuse.
37. Cry one’s eyes out
Meaning: To cry a lot or very hard.
Example Sentence:
- She cried her eyes out when she heard the bad news.
- I cried my eyes out during that sad movie.
Other ways to say: Sob uncontrollably, weep
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression emphasizes how exhausting and painful crying can feel, as if it drains your eyes.
Usage: Used when someone cries very intensely or for a long period.
38. To have an eye on something
Meaning: To be interested in something or to be keeping track of it.
Example Sentence:
- He has an eye on that new video game coming out.
- She has an eye on the prize and is determined to win the competition.
Other ways to say: Watch closely, keep an eye on
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase uses the idea of focusing your eye on something to show your attention to it.
Usage: Used when someone is watching or focusing on something specific.
39. An eye for detail
Meaning: Being good at noticing small or important details.
Example Sentence:
- He has an eye for detail and can spot mistakes in his work easily.
- The designer has an eye for detail and always makes sure everything looks perfect.
Other ways to say: Attention to detail, careful observer
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to the ability to focus on small things, much like how our eyes can focus on minute details.
Usage: Used to describe someone who is very attentive to small details.
40. Behind closed eyes
Meaning: To imagine or dream of something.
Example Sentence:
- Behind closed eyes, she pictured the beautiful vacation she wanted.
- With closed eyes, he dreamt of playing on the big stage.
Other ways to say: In your mind, in your dreams
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to the idea of imagining something when you close your eyes, as if seeing it in your thoughts.
Usage: Used when describing imagination or dreams.
41. Keep one’s eyes peeled
Meaning: To stay alert and watch closely.
Example Sentence:
- Keep your eyes peeled for the lost dog; it could be anywhere.
- I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any signs of the missing car.
Other ways to say: Stay alert, be on the lookout
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression comes from the idea of keeping your eyes open wide, as if peeling them back to see more clearly.
Usage: Used when someone needs to be vigilant and observant.
42. Eye-opener
Meaning: A surprising revelation or fact that opens your mind.
Example Sentence:
- The documentary was an eye-opener about the effects of pollution.
- The visit to the zoo was an eye-opener for the kids, who learned about endangered species.
Other ways to say: Revelation, surprise
Fun Fact/Origin: The term suggests something that opens your eyes to new knowledge or awareness.
Usage: Used when something new or surprising is learned.
43. To have one’s eye on the ball
Meaning: To stay focused and attentive, especially when working on something important.
Example Sentence:
- She has her eye on the ball and is ready to finish the project on time.
- If you want to win, you need to keep your eye on the ball and stay focused.
Other ways to say: Stay focused, pay attention
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from sports, where focusing on the ball is important to play well.
Usage: Used when someone is staying focused on a task or goal.
44. Eye-catching
Meaning: Something that grabs attention because it is so visually appealing.
Example Sentence:
- The new advertisement was eye-catching with its bright colors.
- She wore an eye-catching necklace that everyone admired.
Other ways to say: Striking, attractive
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase describes something that is so interesting to look at, it immediately draws your attention.
Usage: Used when talking about something that stands out visually.
45. The eyes are the windows to the soul
Meaning: Eyes can reveal a person’s true feelings or emotions.
Example Sentence:
- When he looked at me, I could tell by his eyes that he was sad.
- You can tell a lot about a person’s emotions by looking into their eyes.
Other ways to say: Eyes reveal emotions, the eyes speak
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the belief that eyes can show what a person is feeling, beyond words.
Usage: Used when talking about how eyes reflect a person’s inner emotions or thoughts.
Quiz: Idioms About Eyes
Test your knowledge of eye-related idioms with these fun questions! Choose the best answer for each one.
Question Key
1. What does the idiom “in the blink of an eye” mean?
A) Something happens very slowly.
B) Something happens very quickly.
C) Something happens during the night.
2. If someone says, “keep your eyes peeled,” what are they telling you to do?
A) Stay alert and watch carefully.
B) Close your eyes and rest.
C) Look away from something.
3. What does the phrase “a feast for the eyes” describe?
A) A big, fancy meal.
B) Something that is very beautiful to look at.
C) A fun activity to do with your eyes.
4. What is the meaning of “eye candy”?
A) A type of food for your eyes.
B) Something that is very nice to look at.
C) A candy that is shaped like eyes.
5. If someone has “an eye for detail,” what does that mean?
A) They miss small things.
B) They notice small details that others may not see.
C) They focus only on big things.
6. If you “have an eye on the prize,” what are you doing?
A) Looking at something far away.
B) Focusing on a goal or something you want.
C) Watching a prize on the shelf.
7. What does “through the eyes of someone” mean?
A) Seeing the world from someone else’s point of view.
B) Looking at a book through their eyes.
C) Closing your eyes and dreaming about someone.
8. When someone says, “he has eyes in the back of his head,” what do they mean?
A) He can see everything happening behind him.
B) He has trouble seeing things in front of him.
C) He always needs help with vision.
9. What does the idiom “cry one’s eyes out” mean?
A) To laugh a lot.
B) To cry very hard and for a long time.
C) To make your eyes sparkle with joy.
10. What does “keep one’s eyes open” mean?
A) Stay focused and watch out for something.
B) Keep your eyes closed for a while.
C) Blink really fast to stay awake.
Answer Key
- B) Something happens very quickly.
- A) Stay alert and watch carefully.
- B) Something that is very beautiful to look at.
- B) Something that is very nice to look at.
- B) They notice small details that others may not see.
- B) Focusing on a goal or something you want.
- A) Seeing the world from someone else’s point of view.
- A) He can see everything happening behind him.
- B) To cry very hard and for a long time.
- A) Stay focused and watch out for something.
Wrapping Up
We’ve learned a lot of interesting idioms about eyes today. Idioms are phrases that help us understand ideas in a fun way. They can describe how we feel, what we see, or how we think. Knowing these idioms can make our language more colorful and help us understand others better.
Now that you know more about eye idioms, try using them in your daily life. You might find that they make conversations more exciting and creative. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be an expert at using idioms!
