keep one's eyes peeled
To be on the alert, to be watchful.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Keep your eyes peeled for the bus.”
“Keep your eyes peeled for the exit sign while we drive through this heavy fog.”
“The detective kept his eyes peeled for any subtle movement in the shadows, knowing the suspect might attempt a desperate escape at any moment.”
disputed origin
US, 19th century. Peeled probably refers to keeping one's eyelids retracted.
- 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