under one’s very eyes: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘under one's very eyes’ mean?
The idiom "under one's very eyes" means that something is happening or existing in plain sight or in close proximity to someone, without them realizing or noticing it.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "under the sun" means everything or anything in existence. It is used to emphasize the vastness or inclusiveness of a situation or topic.
The idiom "under the sun" is a common and well-known phrase in the English language. It means everything in existence, without exception. It can be traced back to ancient times and has remained consistent throughout history. This idiom emphasizes the vast scope or extent of something.
The idiom "under the radar" means to go unnoticed or undetected, especially in a way that avoids attention, scrutiny, or surveillance.
The idiom "under someone's nose" means that something is happening or someone is doing something right in front of someone else and they are completely unaware of it.
ng things that are right in front of us. It serves as a reminder to always stay alert and attentive, as important information or opportunities may slip "under our noses" if we are not paying close attention.
The idiom "under one's wing" means to be under someone's protection, guidance or care.
The idiom "under one's hat" means to keep something a secret or to refrain from sharing information with others.
The idiom "set eyes on" means to see or look at something. It implies a strong desire or curiosity to see something or someone for the first time.
The idiom "set eyes on" is a common English expression that refers to the act of seeing something or someone for the first time. It conveys a sense of the initial encounter or the first direct visual contact with a person or object. The idiom often implies surprise, wonder, or admiration associated with the sight or appearance of the subject.
The idiom "see things" means to perceive or experience something in a particular way, often different from reality. It implies a subjective understanding or interpretation of a situation or event.
The idiom "open someone's eyes" means to make someone aware or understand something they were previously unaware of.
The idiom "on sight" means to recognize or identify something or someone immediately or without hesitation.
The idiom "on one's watch" means being responsible for something or someone during one's assigned time or period of duty.
On one's watch is an idiom that refers to the time period when a person is responsible for something or in a position of authority. It is often used to imply blame or responsibility for something negative that occurred during that time.
Unraveling Perception
The idiom "under someone's nose" is closely related to "under one's very eyes." Both idioms convey the idea that something is happening or existing in close proximity to someone, yet it goes unnoticed. "Under someone's nose" suggests that the person is not aware of what is happening right in front of them, despite it being within their immediate vicinity. This can be due to a lack of attention, distractions, or simply not paying close enough attention to their surroundings. Just like "under one's very eyes," this idiom highlights the contrast between what is visible and what is truly perceived.
In a similar vein, the idiom "in plain sight" is also relevant to the concept of "under one's very eyes." Both idioms emphasize the idea that something is happening or present right in front of someone, yet it goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. "In plain sight" suggests that the object or event is completely visible and easily noticeable, but the person fails to see it or recognize its significance. Whether it's due to being preoccupied or simply not expecting to find something significant in such an obvious place, the idiom highlights the irony of overlooking something that is right in front of them.
"in front of one's nose" is another idiom that pertains to the theme of things going unnoticed despite being within someone's field of vision. It suggests that the person fails to see or recognize something that is happening or existing directly in front of them. The idiom emphasizes the idea that the person's focus or attention is directed elsewhere, causing them to overlook what is right in front of them. Similar to "under one's very eyes," this idiom highlights the contrast between what is visible and what is truly perceived.
The idiom "hidden in plain sight" relates to the concept of "under one's very eyes" by emphasizing the idea that something is concealed or disguised in a way that makes it blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult to notice. The idiom suggests that the object or event is in plain sight, yet remains hidden or unnoticed due to its deceptive appearance or the person's lack of attention. Just like "under one's very eyes," this idiom highlights the irony of overlooking something that is right in front of them.
The final idiom, "lay eyes on," also relates to the concept of "under one's very eyes" by highlighting the act of seeing or noticing something for the first time. "Lay eyes on" implies that the person has not previously seen or encountered the object or event, but upon doing so, they recognize its presence. This idiom can be used to convey a sense of surprise or astonishment when someone finally sees or becomes aware of something that was previously unnoticed, just like in the case of "under one's very eyes."
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "under one's very eyes" can be used in a sentence:
- He searched for his keys for hours, only to find them under his very eyes on the kitchen counter.
- The thief managed to steal the valuable necklace right under the security guard's very eyes.
- She studied diligently for the exam but still failed, as the correct answers were right under her very eyes, but she overlooked them.
More "Visibility" idioms
