English Idiom – Catch somebody’s eye.

Meaning – To attract someone’s attention or interest. This expression can be used when you make eye contact (two people look directly into each other’s eyes) with someone.

You may want to catch somebody’s eye if you want to attract their attention. In a restaurant, for example, you may need to catch the eye of the waiter if you need to order something. You may also use this expression if you notice something that is attractive, interesting or different. A colourful car may catch your eye, or an attractive person.

Related Expressions:

Usage:

When could you use this idiom?

  • You are trying to attract the attention of a person that you want to chat up.
  • A friend is trying to be noticed by a bartender so they can order a drink.
  • You notice a fancy coat that you find very attractive and interesting.

Example:

  • “We tried to catch the flight attendant’s eye to ask for some water, but he was already walking away.”

In The News:

“Alex Lowry catches Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s eye as Rangers ease to Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox”

Discuss:

  • Is there an idiom like this in your country?

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally.  An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.

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