Whiteisms
The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท K

Keep your eyes peeled

Meaning

A command to be very observant or alert. It means to watch for something specific or to generally stay vigilant.

Vigilant, sharp

Used in a sentence

  • Keep your eyes peeled for a parking spot near the front.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for the turnoff, or we will miss the exit.
  • The police told residents to keep their eyes peeled for suspicious activity.

The backstory

This phrase dates back to the 1830s. It refers to the idea of peeling away an eyelid to see more clearly, though it remains a mildly uncomfortable image.

Heard in

Nationwide

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