have one's eye on
have (got) an/(one's) eye on (someone or something)
1. To watch or look at someone or something closely; to monitor someone or something continuously. I always have my eye on the clock at the end of the day, counting down the minutes until I can go home. Make sure you've got an eye on that pot or it might boil over on you! Don't worry, I've got my eye on the kids.
2. To be keenly interested in acquiring, achieving, or recruiting someone or something. After a successful career as a state governor, Ms. Jones now has an eye on the presidency. Now that my bonus came in, I've got my eye on the newest model of Corvette. We've had our eye on Tom to take over as the regional manager.
See also: eye, have, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
have one's eye on
1. Also, keep an eye on. Look at, especially attentively or continuously; watch. For example, The teacher has his eye on the boys in the back row, or Please keep an eye on the stew. [First half of 1400s] Also see keep an eye out for.
2. Also, have an eye to. Have as one's objective, as in We had our eyes on that birthday cake, or The Republicans have an eye to a big majority in the House. The first usage dates from the mid-1600s, the second from the early 1500s.
3. Also, with an eye to. With a view to, regarding as an objective, as in With an eye to her inheritance, she was very attentive to her aunt. [Mid-1800s] Also see have an eye for.
See also: eye, have, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- be/have done with somebody/something
- be in line with (someone or something)
- better of
- (someone or something) promises well
- begin with
- begin with (someone or something)
- bird has flown, the
- beware of
- beware of (someone or something)
- be rough on (someone or something)