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    ouvrir l'œil

    Grammar & Usage

    idiomatic verb phrase
    neutral

    How it works

    Formed by the irregular third-group verb 'ouvrir' followed by the definite article with elision and the singular noun 'l'œil'. Figuratively used to advise vigilance or caution. It is frequently used in the imperative mood or after modal verbs like 'falloir' or 'devoir'.

    Sample sentences

    Dans cette foule, ouvre bien l'œil pour ne pas perdre tes affaires.

    In this crowd, keep your eyes wide open so you don't lose your belongings.

    Il vaut mieux ouvrir l'œil quand on traverse ce carrefour dangereux.

    It is better to be on the lookout when crossing this dangerous intersection.

    Les agents de sécurité ont ouvert l'œil dès le début de l'événement.

    The security guards stayed alert from the very start of the event.

    Quick facts

    common_variant:ouvrir l'œil et le bon (lit. 'open the eye and the good one' = be extra vigilant)
    literal_meaning:to open the eye
    verb_conjugation_pattern:ouvrir conjugates like a regular -er verb in the present tense (j'ouvre, tu ouvres, etc.) despite ending in -ir

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    Dans cette foule, ouvre bien l'œil pour ne pas perdre tes affaires.

    In this crowd, keep your eyes wide open so you don't lose your belongings.

    Il vaut mieux ouvrir l'œil quand on traverse ce carrefour dangereux.

    It is better to be on the lookout when crossing this dangerous intersection.

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