Keep your eyes peeled

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Meaning

To stay sharply alert or watchful, scanning for signs.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to nautical watch; 'peeled' meant open, slang by 1850s for vigilance. An 1852 'Punch' uses it for a wary sailor.

Variants

  • Eyes peeled

Usage Examples

  • Keep your eyes peeled for that rare bird.
  • She kept her eyes peeled during the test.
  • Eyes peeled; don't miss the signal!

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