sleep with one eye open

sleep with one eye open

To stay awake or sleep very lightly so as to remain very wary, cautious, or alert. I won't forget this insult. You'd better start sleeping with one eye open, because I'll get my revenge.
See also: eye, one, open, sleep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

sleep with one eye open

sleep very lightly so as to be aware of what is happening around you.
See also: eye, one, open, sleep
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • sit up with
  • sit up with (one)
  • fire questions, insults, etc. at somebody
  • fire insults at (one)
  • drink (oneself) to sleep
  • wide
  • wide awake
  • hurl insults
  • hurl insults (at one)
  • stay up late
References in classic literature
A cautious man is proverbially said to sleep with one eye open. That may be wisdom.
Quoting renowned novelist Chinua Achebe, they said Raila should sleep with one eye open and ensure that his handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta does not 'pass the elbow'.
The collection is a daily dose of horror--and the reason to go to sleep with one eye open!
'You have to sleep with one eye open': Homeless man explains life as one of Surrey's rough sleepers
Sleep with one eye open. Don't start a confrontation until you're absolutely sure, or when you have caught them red-handed.
Ducks closer to the edges sleep with one eye open while resting half the brain.
A new study suggests that crocodiles can sleep with one eye open. Scientists think this behavior helps the reptiles monitor others in their group or watch out for predators, like leopards.
In one exchange, Mrs Birch told officers he warned her to "sleep with one eye open" and he threatened to stab her through her heart but told her "you don't have a heart".
Hamilton should be going to sleep with one eye open.
All I'll say is that he better sleep with one eye open.' Millie's Insta-look today is a red, 70s-inspired, long-sleeved dress with a plunging neckline.
Plus, Liam will suggest to Deacon that he should now sleep with one eye open.
He'd have to sleep with one eye open if he'd slapped me!" Jason Allison: "Well it's a good job it's not a female from my family, that is all."
It's also great to get a good night's sleep because we tend to sleep with one eye open.
And if they've ever read or seen Stephen King's "Pet Sematary," will they feel compelled to sleep with one eye open?
"SLEEP WITH ONE EYE OPEN DOUCHE***S," suggested one troll.