ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have eyes in the back of one's head

idiom
Meaning

To be particularly, especially uncannily, observant, as if able to see in all directions at once.


Origin

disputed origin

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.

Examples
SIMPLE

My teacher seems to have eyes in the back of her head.

CONTEXTUAL

You cannot sneak snacks in class because the teacher has eyes in the back of her head.

COMPLEX

The veteran supervisor managed the chaotic warehouse with such precision that the workers joked she must have eyes in the back of her head.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 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”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026