half an eye

half an eye

Intermittent or half-hearted attention while something else is happening. Unfortunately, I don't remember what that list said because I had half an eye on the TV while Mom was trying to show it to me.
See also: eye, half
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

half an eye

a slight degree of perception or attention.
1962 Cyprian Ekwensi Burning Grass His sandals were new because it was market day; or perhaps he had half an eye to some maiden.
See also: eye, half
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • too (something) by half
  • too clever by half
  • too clever, quick, etc. by half
  • too something by half
  • spanked
  • glass
  • half again as
  • half again as many
  • half again as much
  • have one eye on (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
It just underlines that this really isn't a drama you can watch with half an eye while you're de-fleaing the dog.
WE LOVE DRAMA
"There's a long way to go and a lot can happen, but as an England player, you always have half an eye on a World Cup in Brazil."
Johnson awaiting World Cup green light; FOOTBALL
Clark was asked whether he had half an eye on a late play-off tilt.
WORK TO BE DONE - CLARK
Liam Craig will have half an eye on today's Edinburgh derby - but his entire mind will be on steering St Johnstone into Europe.
Liam: My full focus is top six for Saints
The couple, from Cirencester, Gloucs, now have half an eye on the Olympics.
Meet the 9-month-old twins who can already swim the length of a pool!
While both Chelsea and United may have half an eye on January and next summer's transfer window, the fallout from the pair's Premier League meeting could have a significant implications for referee Mark Clattenburg.
Chelsea and United Scouts Seek Out Italian Under-20 Starlet
Reina is currently in Poland with the Spanish squad attempting to defend their European crown, but the Reds keeper admits he already has half an eye on events back on Merseyside.
Pepe: Give boss time
"We watered today with half an eye on showers forecast for Friday evening.
Clerk hoping for a few showers overnight
Nevertheless, it might be a case of 'after the Lord Mayor's show' for the visitors, who could find it a little tough to raise themselves with half an eye on their fifth-round replay at the Emirates, and Town are 13/5 (888Sport) to capitalise with a victory by a one-goal margin.
Town odds-on to beat Orient and keep promotion bid well on track
It did look as though Capello had half an eye on forthcoming Champions League ties.
No Champions deal, says Fabio; FOOTBALL
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy may have had half an eye on this weekend's Premier League clash with Birmingham, making five changes, but there were still plenty of regular top-flight performers on show.
Butterfield cashes in for Palace in cup win
The claim by so-called 'rationalists' that geometry as understood by medieval masons was merely a practical tool is clearly absurd, as anyone with half an eye will realise when studying medieval buildings and many texts that have survived.
Esothric geometry
But Jackett insisted his players had not gone into the match expecting an easy ride or even with half an eye on next Saturday's trip to League One leaders Southend.
Kenny looks for a simple solution
The Government's response, with at least half an eye on the ballot box, has been to impose a range of harsh measures.
Culture clash
Harrison so aptly described as "abusive." I might add "boring and lackluster, void of anything remotely romantic." As any fan with half an eye and a brain already knows, Brian is deeply and undeniably in love with Michael.
QAF, pro and con