catch someone's eye
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字面意思: to grab or capture the eye of someone
Use this when something visually grabs your attention or when you want someone to notice you.
15秒了解
- To notice something interesting or attractive suddenly.
- To get someone to look at you intentionally.
- Used for people, fashion, art, or interesting data.
意思
When something or someone grabs your attention because they are attractive, interesting, or unusual. It is that moment your eyes stop moving because you noticed something special.
关键例句
3 / 6Window shopping
I was just walking past, but that gold watch really caught my eye.
I was just walking past, but that gold watch really caught my eye.
At a busy bar
I tried to catch the bartender's eye so I could order another drink.
I tried to catch the bartender's eye so I could order another drink.
Reviewing a resume
Your previous experience at Google really caught my eye during the screening.
Your previous experience at Google really caught my eye during the screening.
文化背景
This phrase highlights the importance of visual connection in English-speaking cultures. It traces back to the 1700s and reflects the idea that our attention can be 'captured' like a physical object. In social settings, 'catching someone's eye' is considered the polite, non-verbal way to ask for permission to approach them.
Keep it singular
Even though you have two eyes, the phrase is almost always 'catch someone's eye' (singular). Saying 'eyes' sounds like you are literally catching them in your hands!
Don't confuse with 'Eye up'
To 'eye someone up' means to look at them in a very intense, sometimes judgmental or overly sexual way. 'Catching an eye' is much more polite and sudden.
15秒了解
- To notice something interesting or attractive suddenly.
- To get someone to look at you intentionally.
- Used for people, fashion, art, or interesting data.
What It Means
Imagine you are walking through a crowded market. Everything is a blur until you see a bright red jacket. That jacket just caught your eye. It means your attention was pulled toward something specific. It is not just about seeing; it is about being noticed or noticing. It is that split second where your brain says, "Hey, look at that!"
How To Use It
You can use this for people, objects, or even ideas. Usually, we say something caught my eye. If you want to be noticed by someone, you try to catch their eye. It is a very active phrase. You can use it in the past tense as caught or the present as catch. Just remember, the 'eye' is usually singular in this expression, even though we have two!
When To Use It
Use it when shopping and you see a cool pair of shoes. Use it at a party when you see someone you want to talk to. It is perfect for a business meeting when a specific data point looks interesting. It is also great for texting a friend about a cute dog you saw in the park. It feels natural and visual.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things you are forced to look at. If your boss makes you read a 50-page report, the report did not catch your eye. You were forced to see it! Also, avoid using it for loud sounds or smells. It is strictly for things you see with your eyes. If a smell is strong, it doesn't catch your eye, it just smells!
Cultural Background
In Western culture, eye contact is a big deal. It is the start of most social interactions. Catching someone's eye is often the first step in flirting or starting a conversation. It implies a silent connection before any words are spoken. It has been used in English literature for centuries to describe that spark of interest.
Common Variations
You might hear people say eye-catching. This is an adjective for something very pretty or bright. You might also hear get someone's attention, which is similar but less poetic. Another one is stand out, which describes why something caught your eye in the first place. Stick to the original for the most natural feel.
使用说明
This is a neutral phrase suitable for almost any situation. It is very common in both spoken and written English. Just remember to use the singular 'eye' for the most natural sound.
Keep it singular
Even though you have two eyes, the phrase is almost always 'catch someone's eye' (singular). Saying 'eyes' sounds like you are literally catching them in your hands!
Don't confuse with 'Eye up'
To 'eye someone up' means to look at them in a very intense, sometimes judgmental or overly sexual way. 'Catching an eye' is much more polite and sudden.
The Waiter Secret
In many English-speaking countries, snapping your fingers at a waiter is rude. Instead, you should 'try to catch the waiter's eye' and give a small nod.
例句
6I was just walking past, but that gold watch really caught my eye.
I was just walking past, but that gold watch really caught my eye.
Used here to describe an object that stood out.
I tried to catch the bartender's eye so I could order another drink.
I tried to catch the bartender's eye so I could order another drink.
This means trying to get someone's attention through eye contact.
Your previous experience at Google really caught my eye during the screening.
Your previous experience at Google really caught my eye during the screening.
A professional way to say something was impressive.
There was a guy at the gym who caught my eye, but I was too shy to say hi.
There was a guy at the gym who caught my eye, but I was too shy to say hi.
Commonly used in romantic or social contexts.
The '50% Off' sign caught my eye, but I didn't realize it was only for socks!
The '50% Off' sign caught my eye, but I didn't realize it was only for socks!
Humorous realization that the attention was misplaced.
The use of bright blue in this painting really catches the eye.
The use of bright blue in this painting really catches the eye.
Describing artistic technique and visual impact.
自我测试
Choose the correct form of the phrase to complete the sentence.
I was scanning the menu when the truffle pasta ___.
We use 'caught' for past tense and 'eye' is almost always singular in this idiom.
Complete the sentence to show you want someone's attention.
If you want to order, try to ___ the waiter's eye.
The standard collocation for getting attention is to 'catch' someone's eye.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Catch someone's eye'
Talking to friends about a crush.
He caught my eye at the party.
Daily life and shopping.
This dress caught my eye.
Business or interviews.
Your portfolio caught our eye.
When to use 'Catch someone's eye'
Shopping
A shiny new gadget.
Service
Getting the waiter's attention.
Romance
Noticing someone attractive.
Work
A great idea in a report.
常见问题
10 个问题It is grammatically possible, but native speakers almost always use the singular eye. Using the plural sounds a bit unnatural in this specific idiom.
Not at all! You can use it for objects, colors, headlines, or anything visual. For example, The bright headline caught my eye.
No, it is very polite. In fact, catching someone's eye is often the most polite way to get someone's attention without interrupting them verbally.
It is slightly idiomatic, so in a very strict academic paper, you might use attracted my attention instead. However, in a business email, it is perfectly fine.
To catch someone's eye means you noticed them or got their attention. To meet someone's eye means you both looked at each other at the same time.
Usually, yes, it implies interest. However, it can also mean something was so strange or out of place that you couldn't help but notice it.
The past tense of 'catch' is 'caught'. So you would say, The red car caught my eye yesterday.
No, for sounds we use caught my ear. For example, The strange noise caught my ear.
Yes, eye-catching is the adjective form. You can say That is an eye-catching poster.
A common mistake is saying catch someone's eyes or using it for non-visual things like smells or feelings.
相关表达
Grab someone's attention
To make someone notice you or something else.
Stand out
To be very easy to see because of being different or better.
Turn heads
To be so attractive or interesting that many people look.
Eye-catching
Visually attractive or striking.
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