# my eye

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/my-eye
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Expression of disapproval, disregard, disdain, disgust, or disbelief.

## Examples

- You are sorry? My eye, you are just trying to trick me.
- He says he is a professional chef? My eye, he cannot even boil water.
- He claims he did not break the vase, but my eye, I saw him drop it.
- The manager says the company is like a family, but my eye, he only cares about the monthly profits.
- She told the neighbors she won the lottery, but my eye, she just took out a very large bank loan.
- The salesman promised this old car would last for another ten years, but my eye, the engine was making a terrible rattling sound the entire time.
- They promised that the new policy would benefit everyone, but that is all my eye, as it clearly favors only the wealthy.

## Origin

From the earlier phrase *all my eye*, the expression is probably a shortening of a longer formula. The OED notes its use in the 18th century as an exclamation of disbelief, likely borrowed from or influenced by the French *mon œil*. No consensus exists for its specific origin, though the phrase is often associated with the mock-Latin *all my eye and Betty Martin*. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.