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Glite Dictionary
to give the eye

to give the eye

7.7
To look at someone with interest to judge or admire them
  • idiom
translation icon : echar un vistazo
  • The artist uses bright colors to give the eye a focal point in the painting.

Examples

  • The fashion designer aimed to give the eye a unique perspective with the bold patterns on the dress.

  • See, But that little white gel pen dot kind of gives the eye life, don't you think?

  • I'm just going over a little bit like right here to give some like dimension to this brown so it gives the eye a little bit more life.

  • See, But that little white gel pen dot kind of gives the eye life, don't you think?

  • After applying the eyeshadow, she stepped back to give the eye a chance to appreciate the look.

Synonyms

to see
vsto give the eye
∞ 1.0

To notice something with your eyes

is more evaluative and often admiring rather than mere noticing
to take a look
vsto give the eye
∞ 1.3

To look at something to check it or find information

adds an appraisal or admiring judgment rather than neutral looking
to stare
vsto give the eye
∞ 1.0

To look at someone or something for a long time without moving your eyes

adds judging or admiring purpose rather than mere intensity
to admire
vsto give the eye
743 1.6

To feel respect and pleasure when you look at someone or something

also implies critical appraisal as well as positive approval
to consider
vsto give the eye
670 2.4

To look at someone or something carefully to understand it

leans more toward visual judging and occasional admiration
to have a look
vsto give the eye
412 1.3

To check something carefully, for example an essay or a machine

adds a judgmental or admiring tone beyond mere inspection
to glance
vsto give the eye
299 1.5

To look quickly at someone or something

focuses on judging or admiring rather than quick brief looks
to gaze
vsto give the eye
170 2.6

To look steadily with admiration, surprise, or deep thought

adds a judging often critical element rather than steady admiration
to eye
vsto give the eye
152 4.8

To look closely at someone with interest

focuses more on judging or admiring rather than simple curiosity
to glance at
vsto give the eye
150 2.0

Look quickly at someone or something

is more about careful appraisal or admiring rather than brief glances
to lay eyes on
vsto give the eye
  • Informal
59 3.7

To see someone or something for the first time after a long time

is used for first sight while key adds judgement or admiration
to get a load of
vsto give the eye
  • Informal
24 8.4

Tell someone to look at something surprising or interesting

is a more private judgmental or admiring look rather than an exclamation
to eyeball
vsto give the eye
  • Informal
23 3.6

To look at someone or something closely and directly

is about judging or admiring rather than simply looking boldly
to glance over
vsto give the eye
18 3.2

Look at something quickly without reading it carefully

is a genuine appraisal with possible admiration rather than a superficial scan
to take a gander
vsto give the eye
  • Informal
10 8.2

To look quickly and casually at something you are curious about

is more evaluative and sometimes admiring rather than casual curiosity
to look up and down
vsto give the eye
3 3.7

Move your eyes from head to toe to judge a person or thing

does appraisal more generally rather than a head to toe check
to give the once over
vsto give the eye
  • Informal
1 7.4

To look quickly to check if something is okay

is a slower appraisal that can be admiring as well
to eye up
vsto give the eye
  • Informal
1 7.4

To look at a person or thing with interest

is more about judging quality rather than mainly showing desire
to clap eyes on
vsto give the eye
  • Archaic
1 8.0

To see someone or something for the first time

is an appraisal or admiring look rather than mere first noticing
to feast one's eyes
vsto give the eye
  • Informal
6.0

To look at something with great pleasure

can include critical appraisal as well as admiring pleasure
to loke
vsto give the eye
  • Archaic
9.9

To watch something carefully

is more about judging and possible admiration rather than mere watchfulness
to throw an eye
vsto give the eye
  • UK
7.8

To look quickly at something

is a deliberate appraisal or admiring look rather than a casual glance

Antonyms

to ignore
∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

to avert
25 5.0

To turn your eyes or face away to avoid something unpleasant

How Appraising

to stare
∞ 1.0
to give the eye
7.7
to look
∞ 1.0
to glance
299 1.5

Surface Forms

give the eye infinitive
gave the eye past
given the eye past participle
giving the eye present participle
gives the eye third person singular

Morphology

give + the + eye

The construction transparently uses 'give' (to provide) + 'eye' (sight) and parallels phrases like 'give someone a look' or 'give someone a glance', so a B1 learner who knows the words can infer it involves directing a look. However, the particular pragmatic senses (flirtatious, appraising, critical) and the fixed idiomatic phrasing ('give the eye'/'give someone the eye') are not fully predictable without exposure, so it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Give the eye comes from the simple picture of someone giving their eye, that is, turning a quick, noticeable look at a person or thing to judge or admire. So it means 'to look at someone critically or with admiration'.