in the public eye

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.

Example Sentences

But by and large, after those months in the public eye, Gisèle was able to regain the privacy she had been denied for so long.

From BBC

To make it harder for him, the survivors got organized and are shoving this controversy right back in the public eye.

From Salon

And while she may be the most high profile sports star who openly uses weight loss medication, there are many others in the public eye who have spoken out.

From BBC

Growing up in the public eye was not easy for the group, whose youngest member, Ni-Ki, was 14 years old during the competition.

From Los Angeles Times

He viewed entertainment largely as a sideline, and by the late 1960s had grown weary of life in the public eye.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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