[Lexicog] open eyes

[David Joffe]

On 3 Feb 2008 at 22:39, Wayne Leman wrote:

> Is the collocation "open eyes" ever used in any standard dialect of
> English for a meaning other than 'to open one's eyelids" (e.g. upon
> waking up from sleep)? 

Commonly, yes, to mean to suddenly realise or become aware of 
something significant or profound that one was previously unaware 
of, often after some 'event' or other influx of new information 
provokes such onset of dawning awareness; Google "my eyes were 
opened" for examples. Can't say I'm familiar with it meaning 'regain 
eyesight' though.

 - David


> I am particularly interested to know if a literal translation of the
> Hebraism "open eyes", meaning 'regain eyesight', is ever used in any
> standard dialect of English?
> 
> Thanks,
> Wayne
> -----
> Wayne Leman
> Cheyenne dictionary online:
> http://cheyenne.110mb.com

---
http://tshwanedje.com/
TshwaneDJe Human Language Technology




 
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