one's eyes pop out of one's head

Meaning: To be astonished, often at something striking or desirable.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “When he saw the price on the menu, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.”

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: A comic exaggeration of eyes widening in surprise, familiar from cartoons. No first use has been traced.

Equivalents in other languages

French: avoir les yeux qui sortent de la tête — literally: to have eyes that come out of the head

turn one's stomach — To make someone feel sick, physically or with disgust.
have eyes in the back of one's head — To notice everything, even what happens behind one's back.
not believe one's ears — To be so surprised by what one hears that it seems impossible.
dead on one's feet — To be utterly exhausted.
fall flat on one's face — To fail completely and embarrassingly.
one's blood runs cold — To be filled with sudden fear or horror.

watch one's step — To be careful how one behaves, to avoid trouble.
have a lot on one's plate — To have many tasks or problems to deal with.
mend fences — To repair a damaged relationship after a disagreement.
play one's last card — To make a final attempt, using the last resource one has.
people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones — One should not criticize others for faults one has oneself.
take potshots at — To criticize someone in a casual, unfair or opportunistic way.

If the mountain will not go to Mahomet, let Mahomet go to the mountain. — When obstacles won't move, adapt your approach rather than exhaust yourself demanding cha…
Mouth civility costs little but is worth less. — Polite words without sincere intent or action provide mere surface comfort, offering no r…
He that sends mouths sends meat. — Supporting dependents obligates one to provide their sustenance.