IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishkeep one's eyes peeled
Meaning: To be alert and watchful; to look very carefully for something or someone.
Example: “Keep your eyes peeled for a parking space.”
Equivalents in other languages
French: Veiller au grain Literally: To watch for the squall- French: Allumer ses quinquets Literally: To light one's quinquets
Origin: "Peel" here means to uncover, as if removing the eyelids so nothing is missed. American English from the 19th century; the British often say "keep one's eyes skinned."
More English idioms
- keep up with the Joneses To have the same standard of living as one's friends and neighbors do.
- keyed up Full of nervous anticipation; anxious; tense.
- kick the bucket To die.
- kick up one's heels To have a lively and fun time, usually at a party or dance.
- knock someone for a loop To shock, surprise, or astound someone.
- not know if one is coming or going To be confused and disoriented.
Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words
Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.
- Blunda To close your eyes on purpose — and, by extension, to knowingly refuse to see something.
- Fredagsmys The Friday-night ritual of soft clothes, snacks and television with the people you live w…
- Gökotta Rising at first light for no reason but to go outside and hear the birds sing.
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