1 B2 idiomatic informal
To look at someone in a flirtatious or sexually interested way.
"He noticed her eyeing him up from across the room and smiled back."
separable
eye up
B2 informal separable transitive
To look at someone or something in an appraising, desiring, or flirtatious way.
In plain English
To stare at someone because you find them attractive, or to look at something because you want it.
What does "eye up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To look at something carefully because you are interested in buying it, wanting it, or assessing its value.
"She was eyeing up the last piece of cake on the plate."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To assess or evaluate a rival, opponent, or competitor.
"Both teams were eyeing each other up in the warm-up before the final."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To direct your eyes upward at something.
Actually means
To stare at someone because you find them attractive, or to look at something because you want it.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Used when someone looks at another person with sexual or romantic interest, or when someone examines an object with desire or competitive intent. Can feel slightly rude depending on context.
Words that pair with "eye up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stranger competition prize opponent property player
How to conjugate "eye up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
eye up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
eyes up
he/she/it
Past simple
eyed up
yesterday
Past participle
eyed up
have + pp
-ing form
eying up
continuous
Hear "eye up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "eye up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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