have one's eye on

Idioms  

1. Also, keep an eye on . Look at, especially attentively or continuously; watch. For example, The teacher has his eye on the boys in the back row , or Please keep an eye on the stew . [First half of 1400s] Also see keep an eye out for .

2. Also, have an eye to . Have as one's objective, as in We had our eyes on that birthday cake , or The Republicans have an eye to a big majority in the House . The first usage dates from the mid-1600s, the second from the early 1500s.

3. Also, with an eye to . With a view to, regarding as an objective, as in With an eye to her inheritance, she was very attentive to her aunt . [Mid-1800s] Also see have an eye for .

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