to keep one's eyes open
97
3.8
- idiom
:
estar atento
- As the storm approached, we kept our eyes open for any signs of trouble.
Examples
-
When Levin couldn't keep his eyes open any longer, Schiller and Booth finally took the hint.
Fiction book (1998) -
Just keep your eyes open and report back.
-
But for now, you just keep your eyes open, all right?
-
Just stay close and keep your eyes open, all right?
-
You just gotta keep your eyes open.
-
The thing is, you might not get the call but once, so keep your eyes open.
Fiction book (1997) -
Let's just keep our eyes open.
-
Look for the unexpected and the surprise, be ready, and keep those eyes open.
Academic text (2009) -
Major Armistead: If we can wait this out, men, and keep our eyes open, we may yet get through this!
Fiction book (1999) -
Anyway, our pal Jackpot will be heading out first thing in the morning to look for his new hiding spot, so keep your eyes open.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To be careful and pay attention to possible danger
∞
1.6
To focus on someone or something and notice carefully
582
3.0
To be careful to avoid danger or trouble
408
2.4
To watch someone or something carefully to make sure nothing bad happens
291
3.0
Watch carefully to notice danger or help someone
153
1.6
Watch for danger or trouble
134
3.2
Watch carefully for someone or something
104
6.8
Be careful about people who might try to harm you
85
5.6
Be careful to avoid danger or upsetting someone
30
3.1
To stay alert and watch for danger or trouble
28
3.4
To watch carefully so you notice danger or changes
16
4.6
Watch carefully for something important or dangerous
8
3.0
Look at a person or thing very carefully for a while to notice problems
5
7.9
Stay half awake and watch for danger while you sleep because you are afraid
4
3.7
Stay alert to hear useful news or information
1
6.0
Watch carefully for something you expect to see
1
8.1
To stay very alert and watch what is happening around you
Watch carefully for danger or a chance to act
Alert and ready to deal with danger or problems
Make someone stay alert and ready for surprises
Antonyms
How Alert
28
3.4
- Informal
1
6.0
97
3.8
∞
1.0
∞
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to be alert and watchful' is directly derivable from 'keep' (maintain) + 'one's eyes' (visual attention) + 'open' (not closed); the phrase literally instructs someone to maintain open eyes, which maps straightforwardly onto staying attentive. This compositional pattern is common and cross-linguistically familiar, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
Keep one's eyes open comes from the simple image of keeping your eyes open to watch the road or a crowd for danger or a chance. So it means 'to be alert and pay attention'.