in the public eye

Idioms  

1. Under the attention and scrutiny of the public, as in The rock star's activities were very much in the public eye. This usage, which is similar to in the limelight, dates from the late 1800s. It should not be confused with the similar-sounding in the eyes of the public, which means “in the opinion or views of the general public” (as in In the eyes of the public the mayor was guilty of perjury). Also see in the eye of, def. 2.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in the public eye

A whole new genre of celebrity divorce: Slate’s Scaachi Koul considers how Bunnie Xo, an archetypical “Cool Girl,” seems to have masterminded a new strategy for getting divorced in the public eye.

From Slate ● Jul. 16, 2026

"Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct – I can't help it."

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Women in the public eye are frequently held to a different standard than men.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

Though he went on to craft a career in the public eye as a musician, comedian and actor, painting remained his “true vocation.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

As national heroes, cosmonauts were always in the public eye.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson

Related Words

• acclaimed
• eminent
• illustrious
• important
• infamous
• known
• leading
• notable
• noted
• notorious
• outstanding
• popular
• prominent
• recognized
• renowned
• reputable