to lay eyes on

Examples

• All

• The first time I laid eyes on the painting, I was mesmerized by its beauty.

• The first time I laid eyes on Mary Swanson, I knew she was the one.

  Fiction book (1994)

• I want you to imagine the moment that you lay eyes on your sister for the first time in several months.

• I want you to imagine the moment that you lay eyes on your sister for the first time in several months.

• - She had my heart, from the moment I laid eyes on her.

  Showgirls 2: Penny's from Heaven (2011)

• I knew you were smart the minute I laid eyes on you.

  Bruno (2000)

• You were the first Israeli I ever laid eyes on or talked to.

  Fiction book (1993)

• The second Doug laid eyes on me, we knew we were meant to be together.

  Strays (2023)

• It's just that the moment I laid eyes on you, I couldn't resist.

  Fiction book (1994)

• I've been waitin' on this moment ever since I first laid eyes on you.

  Big Momma's House (2000)

Synonyms

S

to see

vsto lay eyes on

∞ 1.0

To notice something with your eyes

is used for encountering someone visually for the first time or after absence

W

to watch

vsto lay eyes on

∞ 1.0

To look at something carefully for some time

refers to a single first or long-separated noticing moment rather than ongoing watching

T

to take a look

vsto lay eyes on

∞ 1.3

To look at something to check it or find information

leans more on initial or long-awaited noticing than general inspection

C

to consider

vsto lay eyes on

670 2.4

To look at someone or something carefully to understand it

focuses instead on the simple initial or long-awaited act of noticing

O

to observe

vsto lay eyes on

619 2.4

To watch something carefully to learn about it

emphasizes the initial or long-awaited noticing moment rather than systematic watching

H

to have a look

vsto lay eyes on

412 1.3

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

is more about the first or long-separated moment of noticing

R

to regard

vsto lay eyes on

241 3.2

To look at someone or something carefully

is more about noticing upon first or long-delayed meeting rather than deep attention

E

to eye

vsto lay eyes on

152 4.8

To look closely at someone with interest

is more neutral and highlights first or long-separated noticing rather than desire

G

to glance at

vsto lay eyes on

150 2.0

Look quickly at someone or something

focuses on notable first-time or long-awaited noticing instead of quick glances

B

to behold

vsto lay eyes on

• Archaic

131 7.6

To see something impressive, like a beautiful view or event

applies the same first time noticing sense without requiring wonder

G

to get a look

vsto lay eyes on

88 2.8

To see someone or something for a short time

adds the idea of first or long-awaited seeing rather than a short view

C

to catch a glimpse

vsto lay eyes on

34 3.4

To see someone or something for a very short time

implies a fuller initial noticing rather than a tiny, partial glimpse

S

to sight

vsto lay eyes on

26 2.8

To suddenly see something for a short time

focuses on first or long-awaited noticing rather than only sudden brief sighting

E

to eyeball

vsto lay eyes on

• Informal

23 3.6

To look at someone or something closely and directly

is about an initial or long-awaited noticing moment rather than close study

C

to catch sight

vsto lay eyes on

16 3.0

To see something for a short time, usually by chance

is broader, covering full or first-time noticing not just partial glimpses

C

to catch sight of

vsto lay eyes on

15 2.4

To see someone or something suddenly and for a short time

stresses first or long-separated noticing rather than just sudden discovery

T

to take a gander

vsto lay eyes on

• Informal

10 8.2

To look quickly and casually at something you are curious about

carries the stronger idea of a first or long-separated noticing event

E

to eye up

vsto lay eyes on

• Informal

1 7.4

To look at a person or thing with interest

centres on the first or long-awaited noticing rather than appraisal or desire

C

to clap eyes on

vsto lay eyes on

• Archaic

1 8.0

To see someone or something for the first time

is about seeing someone for the first time or after a long absence

Antonyms

M

to miss

518 1.7

To not notice or hear something important

O

to overlook

243 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology