Eye up

phrasal verb

To look at someone or something carefully, especially because you want to get or do something with them.

He spent the entire evening eyeing up the girls at the bar.
Visual representation of "eye up" - To look at someone or something carefully, especially because you want to get or do something with them.

Often appears as...

  • eye up the competition
  • eye up a opportunity

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To measure or assess someone or something visually.

The builder eyed up the wall, trying to decide if it was straight.
Visual representation of "eye up" - To measure or assess someone or something visually.

Often appears as...

  • eye up the situation
  • eye up the distance
phrasal verb

To look at someone or something carefully, especially because you want to get or do something with them.

He spent the entire evening eyeing up the girls at the bar.
Visual representation of "eye up" - To look at someone or something carefully, especially because you want to get or do something with them.

Often appears as...

  • eye up the competition
  • eye up a opportunity

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To measure or assess someone or something visually.

The builder eyed up the wall, trying to decide if it was straight.
Visual representation of "eye up" - To measure or assess someone or something visually.

Often appears as...

  • eye up the situation
  • eye up the distance
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "eye up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Desire Implied

Using 'eye up' suggests a strong interest or desire for someone or something.

Illustration for Desire Implied
After the presentation, he eyed up the award, hoping to win it.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slight Intrusion

'Eye up' can feel intrusive if used about a person, as it may imply undesired attention.

Illustration for Slight Intrusion
She felt uncomfortable as he kept eyeing her up from across the room.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Observation

'Eye up' is casual and might not fit in formal contexts. Use in everyday, relaxed situations.

Illustration for Casual Observation
At the flea market, I eyed up a few vintage watches.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Desire Implied

Using 'eye up' suggests a strong interest or desire for someone or something.

Illustration for Desire Implied
After the presentation, he eyed up the award, hoping to win it.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slight Intrusion

'Eye up' can feel intrusive if used about a person, as it may imply undesired attention.

Illustration for Slight Intrusion
She felt uncomfortable as he kept eyeing her up from across the room.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Observation

'Eye up' is casual and might not fit in formal contexts. Use in everyday, relaxed situations.

Illustration for Casual Observation
At the flea market, I eyed up a few vintage watches.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Desire Implied

Using 'eye up' suggests a strong interest or desire for someone or something.

Illustration for Desire Implied
After the presentation, he eyed up the award, hoping to win it.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slight Intrusion

'Eye up' can feel intrusive if used about a person, as it may imply undesired attention.

Illustration for Slight Intrusion
She felt uncomfortable as he kept eyeing her up from across the room.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Observation

'Eye up' is casual and might not fit in formal contexts. Use in everyday, relaxed situations.

Illustration for Casual Observation
At the flea market, I eyed up a few vintage watches.
Visual representation of the word "Eye up"

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