Observation is a crucial skill in everyday life, helping us understand and navigate the world. Idioms related to observation provide colorful and vivid expressions to describe the act of noticing and perceiving things. Here are 20 idioms that capture the essence of observation, each with a short meaning and an example sentence.
1. Keep an eye on
Meaning: Watch closely
Example: Keep an eye on the kids.
2. Eye for detail
Meaning: Notice small things
Example: She has an eye for detail in her work.
3. Catch one’s eye
Meaning: Attract attention
Example: The painting caught his eye.
4. See through
Meaning: Understand the truth
Example: She could see through his lies.
5. Look out for
Meaning: Be watchful
Example: Look out for any suspicious activity.
6. Notice the little things
Meaning: Observe small details
Example: He always notices the little things.
7. Be all eyes
Meaning: Watch intently
Example: The audience was all eyes during the performance.
8. Take a look
Meaning: Examine briefly
Example: Take a look at this report.
9. On the lookout
Meaning: Watching carefully
Example: She is always on the lookout for new trends.
10. Keep tabs on
Meaning: Monitor regularly
Example: He keeps tabs on his investments.
11. Watch like a hawk
Meaning: Observe very closely
Example: The guard watched the area like a hawk.
12. Under the microscope
Meaning: Examined closely
Example: His actions are under the microscope now.
13. In plain sight
Meaning: Clearly visible
Example: The keys were in plain sight on the table.
14. Keep your eyes peeled
Meaning: Stay alert
Example: Keep your eyes peeled for any updates.
15. See with fresh eyes
Meaning: Notice anew
Example: After the vacation, she saw her work with fresh eyes.
16. Take note of
Meaning: Pay attention
Example: Take note of the instructions.
17. Eagle eye
Meaning: Sharp vision
Example: With her eagle eye, she spotted the error immediately.
18. Look over
Meaning: Review briefly
Example: Could you look over this document?
19. Catch a glimpse
Meaning: See briefly
Example: I caught a glimpse of the celebrity.
20. Eye on the prize
Meaning: Focus on goal
Example: Keep your eye on the prize and stay motivated.
