see eye to eye
To agree with someone
Littéralement: To look directly into another person's eyes.
Use this phrase to describe a shared perspective or a total agreement on a specific topic.
En 15 secondes
- Means to agree completely with someone's opinion.
- Often used to describe long-term relationships or specific views.
- Works in both positive and negative sentences.
Signification
When you and another person have the same opinion or agree completely on a topic. It feels like you are looking at the world from the same height and perspective.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a project with a coworker
I'm glad we see eye to eye on the new marketing strategy.
I am glad we agree on the new marketing strategy.
Talking about a disagreement with a sibling
My brother and I don't always see eye to eye, but we love each other.
My brother and I don't always agree, but we love each other.
Texting a friend about a movie
Finally! Someone who sees eye to eye with me about that ending!
Finally! Someone who agrees with me about that ending!
Contexte culturel
The phrase has biblical origins from Isaiah 52:8, where it described watchmen seeing a return to Zion with their own eyes. Over centuries, it evolved from literal sight to metaphorical agreement. In modern Western culture, it emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and shared perspective in relationships.
Singular is key
Always keep it singular! It is `eye to eye`, never `eyes to eyes`. Even though you have two eyes, the idiom stays slim.
Not for physical height
Don't use this to describe people who are the same height. If you say 'we see eye to eye' because you are both 6 feet tall, people will think you are making a pun!
En 15 secondes
- Means to agree completely with someone's opinion.
- Often used to describe long-term relationships or specific views.
- Works in both positive and negative sentences.
What It Means
To see eye to eye means you share the same viewpoint as someone else. It is not about physically looking at them. It is about your minds being in total agreement. Imagine two people standing at the same height. They see the exact same horizon. That is the energy of this phrase. You are on the same page.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase with the preposition with. For example, I see eye to eye with my boss. You can also use it in the negative. We don't see eye to eye on politics. It is a very flexible idiom. You can use it for big life decisions or small things. Like which pizza toppings are the best.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to describe a relationship or a specific agreement. It works great in a job interview. It also works when talking to your partner about moving house. It sounds more sophisticated than just saying I agree. It implies a deeper, more consistent connection. Use it when you feel a sense of harmony with someone else.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for facts. You do not see eye to eye that the sun is hot. That is just a fact. Use it for opinions, beliefs, or plans. Also, avoid using it if you actually have a physical eye problem. That might get confusing! It is also not for casual 'yes' moments. If someone asks for the salt, just say sure.
Cultural Background
This phrase actually has very old roots. It appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Isaiah. Originally, it meant seeing something clearly or face-to-face. Over hundreds of years, the meaning shifted. Now, it focuses on the internal agreement between two people. It is common in all English-speaking countries. It is a classic 'evergreen' idiom.
Common Variations
You will often hear don't see eye to eye. This is the most common way to describe a polite disagreement. Sometimes people say see eye to eye on everything. This describes a very close, perfect friendship. You might also hear never see eye to eye. This is for that one person you always argue with. We all have one of those!
Notes d'usage
The phrase is very safe to use in almost any setting. Just remember to use 'on' or 'about' to introduce the subject of the agreement.
Singular is key
Always keep it singular! It is `eye to eye`, never `eyes to eyes`. Even though you have two eyes, the idiom stays slim.
Not for physical height
Don't use this to describe people who are the same height. If you say 'we see eye to eye' because you are both 6 feet tall, people will think you are making a pun!
The 'Agree to Disagree' Cousin
If you realize you will *never* see eye to eye with someone, English speakers often say, 'Let's agree to disagree.' It's the polite way to end the fight.
Exemples
6I'm glad we see eye to eye on the new marketing strategy.
I am glad we agree on the new marketing strategy.
Shows professional alignment and relief.
My brother and I don't always see eye to eye, but we love each other.
My brother and I don't always agree, but we love each other.
Uses the negative form to show a difference in opinion.
Finally! Someone who sees eye to eye with me about that ending!
Finally! Someone who agrees with me about that ending!
Expresses excitement over a shared opinion.
The cat and I don't see eye to eye on whose bed this actually is.
The cat and I don't agree on who owns the bed.
Personifies the pet for a funny effect.
It is vital that both companies see eye to eye on the safety protocols.
It is essential that both companies agree on the safety protocols.
Used to emphasize the importance of consensus.
We see eye to eye on the need for a new park in the neighborhood.
We agree that the neighborhood needs a new park.
Shows community agreement.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition to complete the idiom.
My parents and I rarely see eye to eye ___ my career choices.
We use `on` or `about` to specify the topic of agreement.
Complete the sentence to show a disagreement.
They are getting a divorce because they just don't ___ anymore.
The idiom is always singular `eye to eye` and uses the verb `see`.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'See Eye to Eye'
Texting friends about dinner.
We see eye to eye on tacos.
General conversation with colleagues.
We see eye to eye on the deadline.
Business reports or serious discussions.
The board sees eye to eye with the CEO.
When to use 'See Eye to Eye'
Politics
They don't see eye to eye on taxes.
Relationships
We see eye to eye on our future.
Work
The team sees eye to eye on the goal.
Hobbies
We see eye to eye on the best player.
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt means to agree with someone completely. For example, We see eye to eye on this plan.
It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or your manager at work.
Yes! You can see eye to eye on a movie choice or a pizza topping.
Just add 'don't.' For example: My boss and I don't see eye to eye.
Use with for the person and on for the topic. Example: I see eye to eye with Sarah on the budget.
No, it is always singular eye to eye. Using the plural is a common mistake.
It comes from the Bible. It originally meant seeing something clearly with your own eyes.
Yes, you can say We saw eye to eye. It works just like a regular verb.
Yes, it is used in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. It is a universal English idiom.
You could say to be on the same page or simply to agree.
Not really. It is best for opinions. You wouldn't say you see eye to eye that 2+2=4.
Often, yes. It suggests that your perspectives are aligned, not just a one-time 'yes'.
Expressions liées
On the same page
To have the same understanding or information as others.
Of one mind
To be in complete agreement (more formal).
Sing from the same hymn sheet
To say the same thing in public (British/Professional).
In accord
In a state of agreement or harmony (Formal).
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