Phrase guide

sleep with one eye open

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To remain vigilant at all times, especially by remaining partially awake or sleeping only lightly so as to avoid being caught off guard.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Some animals sleep with one eye open, so as to remain alert to threats.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: nukkua toinen silmä auki — Translations
  • French: ne dormir que d'un œil — Translations
  • Hindi: एक आँख खोलकर सोना (ek ā̃kh kholkar sonā) — Translations
  • Persian: با یک چشم باز خوابیدن (bâ yek češm bâz xâbidan) — Translations
  • Polish: spać z jednym okiem otwartym — Translations
  • Portuguese: dormir com um olho aberto — Translations
  • Spanish: dormir con un ojo abierto — Translations