Idioms are creative phrases that help people express feelings, ideas, and situations in ways that go beyond literal meaning. One area where idioms really shine is when they’re based on body parts, and in particular, idioms for eyes give us a unique way to describe emotions, attention, beauty, and even suspicion.
Eyes are often called the windows to the soul, so it’s no surprise that many idioms are built around them. These expressions can add color to conversations, strengthen writing, and help speakers sound more natural in English. Whether you’re describing someone who’s paying close attention, acting suspiciously, or simply looking tired, there’s likely an “eye” idiom that fits the situation perfectly.
In this article, you’ll discover 45 eye-related idioms, their meanings, and how to use them in long, clear sentences. You’ll also find different ways to express each idea, plus a quick practice section to test your understanding. So, let’s take a closer look—keep your eyes peeled!
Idioms for Eyes
1. Apple of one’s eye
Meaning: Someone who is cherished above all others.
In a Sentence: Ever since his daughter was born, she’s been the apple of his eye, and he talks about her with so much pride and affection.
Other Ways to Say: Favorite person, Most beloved
2. Catch someone’s eye
Meaning: To attract someone’s attention or interest.
In a Sentence: That bright red dress instantly caught my eye as I walked past the store window, and I just had to go in and try it on.
Other Ways to Say: Get noticed, Grab attention
3. Keep an eye on
Meaning: To watch something or someone carefully.
In a Sentence: Please keep an eye on the oven while I go grab some groceries so the cake doesn’t burn.
Other Ways to Say: Watch over, Monitor
4. In the public eye
Meaning: Frequently seen or talked about in public or media.
In a Sentence: As a movie star, she’s constantly in the public eye, and even her smallest actions become news headlines.
Other Ways to Say: In the spotlight, Well-known
5. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Meaning: Different people see beauty in different ways.
In a Sentence: While others didn’t understand his modern sculpture, she adored it—proving once again that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Other Ways to Say: Beauty is subjective, Everyone has different tastes
6. Keep your eyes peeled
Meaning: To stay alert and watch closely.
In a Sentence: Keep your eyes peeled for the street sign or we’ll miss our turn and get lost.
Other Ways to Say: Stay alert, Be watchful
7. More than meets the eye
Meaning: Something is deeper or more complex than it appears.
In a Sentence: That old building may look ordinary, but there’s more than meets the eye—it’s actually a historic landmark with a hidden basement.
Other Ways to Say: Hidden depth, Not as simple as it seems
8. An eye for an eye
Meaning: A form of revenge or justice.
In a Sentence: While some believe in forgiveness, others live by the rule of an eye for an eye when wronged.
Other Ways to Say: Equal punishment, Retaliation
9. Turn a blind eye
Meaning: To ignore something on purpose.
In a Sentence: The teacher turned a blind eye to the students whispering because she knew they were discussing a surprise party.
Other Ways to Say: Pretend not to notice, Overlook
10. A sight for sore eyes
Meaning: Someone or something you’re very happy to see.
In a Sentence: After being away from home for months, her dog was truly a sight for sore eyes when she returned.
Other Ways to Say: A welcome sight, Something comforting
11. All eyes on me
Meaning: Everyone is watching or paying attention.
In a Sentence: As she stepped onto the stage for her solo performance, all eyes were on her, and the room fell silent.
Other Ways to Say: Center of attention, Spotlight moment
12. Bat an eye
Meaning: To show a reaction (usually negative when used in the negative).
In a Sentence: He didn’t even bat an eye when he heard the shocking news, staying completely calm.
Other Ways to Say: React, Flinch
13. A wandering eye
Meaning: Being attracted to others even when in a relationship.
In a Sentence: She broke up with him because he had a wandering eye and couldn’t stay loyal.
Other Ways to Say: Flirtatious, Unfaithful
14. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Very quickly; almost instantly.
In a Sentence: The car sped by so fast, it was gone in the blink of an eye before we could even see the driver.
Other Ways to Say: Instantly, In a flash
15. Can’t take your eyes off
Meaning: To be so captivated you keep staring.
In a Sentence: The painting was so mesmerizing that I couldn’t take my eyes off it for several minutes.
Other Ways to Say: Completely focused on, Glued to
16. With your eyes closed
Meaning: To do something very easily or effortlessly.
In a Sentence: I’ve driven this route so many times, I could do it with my eyes closed.
Other Ways to Say: Easily, Without thinking
17. Eyes in the back of your head
Meaning: Being very aware of what’s happening around you.
In a Sentence: Moms seem to have eyes in the back of their heads—they always know when you’re sneaking snacks!
Other Ways to Say: Super aware, Very observant
18. The evil eye
Meaning: A look believed to bring bad luck.
In a Sentence: Some cultures believe that wearing charms protects you from the evil eye cast by jealous people.
Other Ways to Say: Cursed look, Bad energy
19. Look someone in the eye
Meaning: To make eye contact boldly, often when telling the truth.
In a Sentence: I knew he was honest when he looked me straight in the eye and explained what happened.
Other Ways to Say: Make direct eye contact, Show sincerity
20. A glint in the eye
Meaning: A sign of mischief or excitement.
In a Sentence: He had a glint in his eye when he mentioned his secret weekend plans.
Other Ways to Say: Playful look, Spark of excitement
21. Only have eyes for
Meaning: To be romantically focused on just one person.
In a Sentence: He only had eyes for her, even in a room full of people.
Other Ways to Say: Devoted to, In love with
22. See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree with someone completely.
In a Sentence: They finally saw eye to eye after a long debate about which movie to watch.
Other Ways to Say: Agree, Be on the same page
23. Green-eyed monster
Meaning: Jealousy or envy.
In a Sentence: The green-eyed monster came out when she saw her friend’s new designer purse.
Other Ways to Say: Jealousy, Envy
24. Pull the wool over someone’s eyes
Meaning: To deceive or trick someone.
In a Sentence: The scam artist tried to pull the wool over her eyes with a fake investment deal.
Other Ways to Say: Fool someone, Mislead
25. Give someone the eye
Meaning: To look at someone flirtatiously.
In a Sentence: He kept giving her the eye from across the room at the party.
Other Ways to Say: Flirt with a look, Show interest
26. Eyes wide open
Meaning: Being fully aware of the risks or truths.
In a Sentence: She went into the job with her eyes wide open, knowing it would be stressful.
Other Ways to Say: Fully aware, Conscious of reality
27. Eyes like a hawk
Meaning: Very sharp vision or attention to detail.
In a Sentence: With eyes like a hawk, she spotted the typo on the first page.
Other Ways to Say: Sharp-eyed, Extremely observant
28. An eye-opener
Meaning: Something surprising or enlightening.
In a Sentence: Traveling abroad was a real eye-opener that changed how he viewed the world.
Other Ways to Say: Wake-up call, New perspective
29. See with your mind’s eye
Meaning: To visualize something that isn’t physically present.
In a Sentence: When I read a good book, I can see the entire story with my mind’s eye.
Other Ways to Say: Imagine, Visualize
30. Look down your nose (eyes) at someone
Meaning: To act like you’re better than others.
In a Sentence: She looked down her nose at the idea of working a regular office job.
Other Ways to Say: Be snobbish, Act superior
31. Cast your eyes on
Meaning: To look at or notice something.
In a Sentence: When I first cast my eyes on the painting, I knew it would be perfect for my home.
Other Ways to Say: Look at, Gaze upon
32. Give the evil eye
Meaning: To glare at someone angrily or with malice.
In a Sentence: After the argument, she gave me the evil eye from across the room.
Other Ways to Say: Glare, Shoot daggers
33. Feast your eyes on
Meaning: To look at something with pleasure or admiration.
In a Sentence: Feast your eyes on this beautiful sunset—it’s one of the best views I’ve ever seen.
Other Ways to Say: Admire, Take in
34. Eye candy
Meaning: Someone or something visually attractive.
In a Sentence: The new movie is full of eye candy, but the storyline is kind of weak.
Other Ways to Say: Visually appealing, Pretty to look at
35. Make eyes at
Meaning: To look at someone flirtatiously or lovingly.
In a Sentence: She kept making eyes at him during the concert, hoping he’d notice.
Other Ways to Say: Flirt, Send signals
36. Easy on the eyes
Meaning: Attractive or pleasant to look at.
In a Sentence: The new website design is so clean and easy on the eyes that it makes browsing a joy.
Other Ways to Say: Visually pleasing, Nice-looking
37. Be all eyes
Meaning: To be watching or listening intently.
In a Sentence: During the magic show, the kids were all eyes, waiting for the next trick.
Other Ways to Say: Pay full attention, Be fully focused
38. Not bat an eyelid
Meaning: To remain calm or not react at all.
In a Sentence: He didn’t bat an eyelid when he heard he’d lost his wallet—he just laughed.
Other Ways to Say: Stay cool, Show no surprise
39. Eye to detail
Meaning: Attention to small parts of a whole.
In a Sentence: Her eye to detail is what makes her such a great interior designer.
Other Ways to Say: Precision, Thoroughness
40. Bedroom eyes
Meaning: A sultry or seductive look.
In a Sentence: He flashed his bedroom eyes every time she walked by, hoping she’d notice.
Other Ways to Say: Seductive look, Flirty gaze
41. Turn your eyes away
Meaning: To deliberately look elsewhere or ignore.
In a Sentence: I had to turn my eyes away from the news because it was just too upsetting.
Other Ways to Say: Look away, Avoid seeing
42. Look daggers at
Meaning: To glare angrily.
In a Sentence: When he spilled the drink, she looked daggers at him in frustration.
Other Ways to Say: Glare, Shoot angry looks
43. Have stars in your eyes
Meaning: To be overly hopeful or dreamy.
In a Sentence: She had stars in her eyes when talking about her dream of becoming a famous singer.
Other Ways to Say: Be dreamy, Be overly optimistic
44. Set eyes on
Meaning: To see or notice for the first time.
In a Sentence: I knew I wanted that car the moment I first set eyes on it.
Other Ways to Say: First noticed, Saw for the first time
45. Close your eyes to
Meaning: To ignore or pretend not to see.
In a Sentence: We can’t just close our eyes to injustice—it’s our job to speak up.
Other Ways to Say: Ignore, Turn a blind eye
Practice Exercise
Fill in the blanks:
- She was the __________ of her grandfather’s eye and his favorite person in the family.
- When I finally got home, my comfy bed was a __________ for sore eyes.
- You need to keep your __________ peeled for the delivery truck—it’s supposed to come soon.
- He didn’t even bat an __________ when the lights went out during dinner.
- They finally saw __________ to eye after discussing the vacation plans.
- That artwork is absolutely stunning—go ahead and feast your __________ on it!
- I’ve read this book so many times, I could recite it with my __________ closed.
- She gave me the __________ after I teased her in front of our friends.
- Don’t let the fancy appearance fool you—there’s more than meets the __________.
- After traveling to a new country, the whole experience was an __________ that changed my life.
Answers: apple, sight, eyes, eye, eye, eyes, eyes, evil eye, eye, eye-opener
Conclusion
Idioms for eyes are a powerful and imaginative way to make everyday speech more vivid, emotional, and relatable. These expressions capture everything from love and admiration to alertness and suspicion, using one of our most expressive body parts—our eyes.
By learning and using these idioms, you’ll sound more natural in conversations and better understand the emotions and ideas behind what people are really saying. Keep practicing, keep noticing, and soon enough, these idioms will be second nature—right before your very eyes.
