keep one's eyes open

phrase

variants or keep one's eyes peeled
: to be on the alert : be watchful

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of keep one's eyes open was in 1697

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Cite this Entry

“Keep one's eyes open.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20one%27s%20eyes%20open. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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