Keep Your Eyes Peeled Meaning

Also: keep your eyes skinned

Keep your eyes peeled is one of several idioms that have to do with having ‘alert’ eyes and being watchful or noticing something or someone. ¹

Meaning of Idiom ‘Keep Your (or one’s) Eyes Peeled’

To keep your eyes peeled means to watch carefully for someone or something; be watchful or observant; stay alert. ²,³

Sentence Examples

“Keep your eyes peeled for the security guard,” said the shoplifter to his partner.

“I think the house is on the right. Keep your eyes peeled for one of those pink lawn swans.”

“Keep your eyes peeled for porpoises. They often hang out around this bend of the river,” said the captain.

“Can you keep your eyes peeled for a gas station? We’re almost out of fuel.”

“Keep your eyes peeled. You know how fast these things can be.” — Lake Placid (1999)

“I hope we’re not too late. Keep your eyes peeled. He could be anywhere.” — Stuart Little 2 (2002)

“Keep your eyes peeled; it’s black as night.” — An American Haunting (2006)

“Keep your eyes peeled for the mate.” — 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

“Yeah, okay, l’ll keep my eyes peeled.” “What?” “No, it’s that phrase, keeping your eyes peeled. l just find it creepy, you know.” “Yeah, it is sort of.” — Wind Chill (2007)

Origin

Both versions of this idiom ‘keep your eyes peeled’ and ‘keep you eyes skinned’ date from the 1800s. The first is older, dating from the first part of the century, while the second arose during the 1830s. The ‘peeled’ version is more common. Both allude to the eyelids being open and not covering the eyes, like the peel of a fruit not covering the flesh.