bright-eyed

[brahyt-ahyd]

adjective

1. having bright eyes.

2. alertly eager.

bright-eyed

adjective

1. eager; fresh and enthusiastic

2. informal,  keen, confident, and alert

Word History and Origins

Origin of bright-eyed¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, alertly eager; full of energy and enthusiasm.

   Get a good night's sleep so you'll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the morning.

Example Sentences

“I feel like we’re in one of those Sunday night dramas about two bright-eyed, feisty old lady detectives outsmarting the police at every turn.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Never use the words ‘bright-eyed, feisty old ladies’ in my presence again,” says Elizabeth.

From Los Angeles Times

She observes that one version of Gala “would end up like so many L.A. women before her — violet and vomit-streaked in a stranger’s bed at the Chateau, or maybe she would buy a baby grand piano and move to the coast to start over, bright-eyed and sober with a new sense of wonder for the world.”

From Los Angeles Times

Dr. John Carter on “ER” was a newbie to the healthcare industry, bright-eyed and eager to learn.

From Los Angeles Times

But upon taking office in June 2022, she brought the youthful, bright-eyed energy of her campaign into Bamban Municipal Hall, painting it pink and decorating the outside of the building with flowers.

From BBC

Related Words

• active 
• athletic 
• fresh 
• healthful 
• hearty 
• lively 
• normal 
• robust 
• strong 
• tough 
• vigorous