have eyes in the back of one's head
To be particularly, especially uncannily, observant, as if able to see in all directions at once.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My teacher seems to have eyes in the back of her head.”
“You cannot sneak snacks in class because the teacher has eyes in the back of her head.”
“The veteran supervisor managed the chaotic warehouse with such precision that the workers joked she must have eyes in the back of her head.”
From Latin in occipitio quoque habet oculos ("she has eyes even on the back of her head"), from Plautus, Aulularia (The Pot of Gold), act 1, scene 1.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026