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Glite Dictionary
by the eye

by the eye

6.5
To judge size or position by looking, not by measuring
  • idiom
translation icon : a ojo
  • The carpenter estimated the dimensions of the table by the eye rather than using a tape measure.

Examples

  • They painted the lines on the field by the eye, not with any measurements.

  • Can you judge the size by the eye?

  • She calculated the diameter of the cake by the eye before slicing it.

  • The mechanic adjusted the part by the eye and it fit perfectly.

  • He estimated the distance by the eye.

  • She chose the right amount of paint by the eye, trusting her instinct over precise measurements.

  • The chef often measures ingredients by the eye and has perfected his recipes without scales.

How Accurate

lidar
  • Specialized
7 7.2
surveying instrument
  • Specialized
1 5.1
measuring tape
  • Texting
3.5
tape measure
9 2.0
by the eye
6.5

Surface Forms

by the eye positive

Morphology

by + the + eye

The meaning is directly derivable from 'by' marking the means and 'eye' referring to vision, so 'by the eye' clearly conveys estimating or judging visually (i.e., by sight). This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically (compare Spanish 'a ojo') and follows normal English semantics, so a B1 learner who knows the parts will readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

The phrase by the eye comes from everyday work where people judge size just by looking with their eye, not with a ruler or tool. So by the eye means doing something by sight, 'without measuring'.