Meaning
See eye to eye — To agree with someone; to share the same opinion or point of view on a subject.
Origin & History
The phrase comes from the Bible (Isaiah 52:8): 'they shall see eye to eye'. The image is of two people looking directly at each other at the same level, implying mutual understanding and agreement.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| We don't always see eye to eye on politics, but we respect each other. | Disagreement with respect |
| The two managers finally saw eye to eye on the budget proposal. | Professional agreement |
| I'm glad we see eye to eye on this — it will make things much easier. | Mutual agreement |
How to Use It
Neutral. Appropriate in conversation and semi-formal writing, including professional emails.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
They don't see an eye to an eye.
They don't see eye to eye. — No articles; the idiom uses bare nouns.
I see eye to eye him about this.
I see eye to eye with him about this. — Use 'with', not the object directly.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "See eye to eye" mean?
"See eye to eye" means agree with someone. To agree with someone; to share the same opinion or point of view on a subject.
Where does the idiom "See eye to eye" come from?
The phrase comes from the Bible (Isaiah 52:8): 'they shall see eye to eye'. The image is of two people looking directly at each other at the same level, implying mutual understanding and agreement.
Can you give an example of "See eye to eye" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "We don't always see eye to eye on politics, but we respect each other." — used when disagreement with respect.
Is "See eye to eye" formal or informal?
Neutral. Appropriate in conversation and semi-formal writing, including professional emails.
What CEFR level is "See eye to eye"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a upper-intermediate expression that appears in a wide range of spoken and written English contexts.
What are common mistakes with "See eye to eye"?
The most common mistake is getting the articles wrong. Always use the fixed form of the idiom without changing the words. For example: They don't see eye to eye. — No articles; the idiom uses bare nouns.
What idioms are similar to "See eye to eye"?
Similar idioms include: Be on the same page, Agree, Sing from the same hymn sheet. These share the same general meaning but may differ slightly in tone or context.
How do I practise idioms like "See eye to eye"?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "See eye to eye" be used in writing?
Yes, but it depends on the register. Neutral. Appropriate in conversation and semi-formal writing, including professional emails. Idioms generally work best in spoken English or informal writing; avoid them in formal academic or professional documents unless you are sure of your audience.
Does "See eye to eye" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "See eye to eye" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: agree with someone. Some idioms vary between dialects, but this one is widely recognised in all major varieties of English.