Synonyms

in the public eye

Idioms

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

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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

The personal themes he explores are exactly what you would expect from an early-20s rocker raised in the public eye — namely, relationship expectations and existential fears about the future.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

The recluse part is I don’t like being in the public eye.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

During his visits, reporters kept tabs on him, printing stories about his cowboy adventures in the newspaper, which kept him in the public eye.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

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

in the public eye

Example Sentences

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