IdiomBody & Senses
French
FrenchJeter un œil
Meaning: To take a quick look at something; to glance over it or keep an eye on it.
Literally: To throw an eye
Example: “Tu peux jeter un œil à mon CV avant que je l'envoie ?” — Can you take a look at my résumé before I send it?
English equivalent: Cast an eye over
Equivalents in other languages
English: cast an eye over
Origin: A shortened form of "jeter un coup d'œil," treating the gaze as something one throws toward an object, much as English casts a glance. Purists once preferred the longer form, but "jeter un œil" is now standard in everyday French, and "jeter un œil sur" can also mean to keep watch over something.
More French idioms
- J'en passe, et des meilleurs Said to cut a list short while hinting that the unnamed items are even more remarkable th…
- Inaugurer les chrysanthèmes To hold a purely ceremonial position with no real power: cutting ribbons and attending co…
- C'est l'exception qui confirme la règle Said of a case that breaks a general rule, usually to suggest that the rule still holds;…
- Ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard It's nothing special or impressive.
- C'est comme pisser dans un violon A completely pointless effort.
- Avoir le cafard To feel depressed or down.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Bête comme ses pieds Really not very bright.
- Avoir un poil dans la main To be incurably lazy.
- Tête de linotte A scatterbrain who can't hold a thought.
Keep exploring