Have one eye/half an eye on something

phrase

To pay attention to something while doing something else.

While cooking, she had one eye on the pot and the other on her toddler.
Visual representation of "have one eye/half an eye on something" - To pay attention to something while doing something else

Often appears as...

  • have one eye on the kids
  • have half an eye on the news

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

To show interest in or keep a check on something or someone.

She already has one eye on the promotion that's coming up.
Visual representation of "have one eye/half an eye on something" - To show interest in or keep a check on something or someone

Often appears as...

  • have one eye on the future
  • have half an eye on the competition

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To pay attention to something while doing something else.

While cooking, she had one eye on the pot and the other on her toddler.
Visual representation of "have one eye/half an eye on something" - To pay attention to something while doing something else

Often appears as...

  • have one eye on the kids
  • have half an eye on the news

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

To show interest in or keep a check on something or someone.

She already has one eye on the promotion that's coming up.
Visual representation of "have one eye/half an eye on something" - To show interest in or keep a check on something or someone

Often appears as...

  • have one eye on the future
  • have half an eye on the competition

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "have one eye/half an eye on something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Multitasking

Refers to doing another activity with less focus while primarily engaged in something else.

Illustration for Multitasking
He had one eye on the report while watching the football game.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Distraction Awareness

Suggests awareness of potential distractions that could interfere with the main task.

Illustration for Distraction Awareness
While studying, she kept half an eye on her notifications.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Alertness

Implies readiness to respond quickly to a change or need while engaged elsewhere.

Illustration for Alertness
I have one eye on the weather in case it turns bad during our hike.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Multitasking

Refers to doing another activity with less focus while primarily engaged in something else.

Illustration for Multitasking
He had one eye on the report while watching the football game.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Distraction Awareness

Suggests awareness of potential distractions that could interfere with the main task.

Illustration for Distraction Awareness
While studying, she kept half an eye on her notifications.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Alertness

Implies readiness to respond quickly to a change or need while engaged elsewhere.

Illustration for Alertness
I have one eye on the weather in case it turns bad during our hike.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Multitasking

Refers to doing another activity with less focus while primarily engaged in something else.

Illustration for Multitasking
He had one eye on the report while watching the football game.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Distraction Awareness

Suggests awareness of potential distractions that could interfere with the main task.

Illustration for Distraction Awareness
While studying, she kept half an eye on her notifications.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Alertness

Implies readiness to respond quickly to a change or need while engaged elsewhere.

Illustration for Alertness
I have one eye on the weather in case it turns bad during our hike.
Visual representation of the word "Have one eye/half an eye on something"

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