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Synonyms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Guthrie’s daily presence on “Today” will also help keep her mother’s case in the public eye.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

If he doesn’t, he’ll almost certainly find another way to stay in the public eye.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2026

Like his siblings, he grew up in the public eye and was subjected to scrutiny from a young age.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

It’s a milestone birthday for the music icon who has been in the public eye for well over 60 years.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2026

She shared Howard’s understanding of the importance of image and cheerfully joined him in the public eye.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.