have eyes on
The phrase "have eyes on" can be used in various contexts, including literal observation, interest, or surveillance.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To watch or observe someone or something closely.
Example
- Make sure you have eyes on the kids while they play near the water.
B2General
(informal)To be interested in or considering someone or something for a particular purpose.
Example
- I have my eyes on that new car.
C1Law Enforcement / Military
(technical)To have someone or something under observation, often without their knowledge.
Example
- I have eyes on the suspect.
C1Military / Strategic
(technical)To have observers in a specific area to gather real-time information.
Example
- We need to have eyes on the ground in Iraq.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "have eyes on":
have one's eye onkeep an eye openall eyesin one's sightskeep a lookoutkeep sight ofbe on the lookouteyes rightlook out for someonein someone's eyeslook onin sightall-seeing eyebad eyeeagle eyeseeing towatch one's backget one's eye inlook tobe onin the crosshairsvision outroving eyesee intosee tohave eyes bigger than one's stomachout of the corner of one's eyelook uponlook aton watchhalf an eyeon sight