cloudy eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

"cloudy eyes" is a phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe eyes that look dull, dulled, or glazed over. For example, "He had cloudy eyes, as if he hadn't slept in days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

She opens her cloudy eyes.

The New Yorker

Cordelia looks for the source of the touch, with her cloudy eyes.

The New Yorker

Her cloudy eyes stare blankly at the ceiling as flies land on her forehead.

The Washington Post

"I know, I still look sick," she said, though her cloudy eyes tried to smile as she spoke.

The New York Times

One woman was bald; one had the cloudy eyes of a blind prophet; one was smiling, yet seemingly oblivious to the three floppy fish draped over her head.

The New York Times - Arts

Will it have the cloudy eyes of the shamed and subdued face we saw during his brief television interviews on ESPN and the Golf Channel two weeks ago, or the washed-out complexion of his televised Feb. 19 apology?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Just wait until you meet his aged neighbor and her wretched dog with its cloudy eye.

The New Yorker

One woman with a cloudy eye covers it up "as if the bitterest of all the sufferings visited upon her was the shame of having an ugly eye".

The New Yorker

A year ago in July, an elderly woman came to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami, groaning in pain and with a cloudy eye whose vision was disappearing.

The Washington Post

Instead, she threaded her way through thick traffic to her mother, Kamlesh, who on a recent rainy day was carrying one of Rohini's sisters, a toddler with a cloudy eye and a disturbingly quiet demeanor.

The New York Times

The details surrounding his death — as recounted by Catharine, in a long, alternately beautiful and overwrought monologue — are intolerable to Violet, who had turned a cloudy eye to her son's avaricious sexual nature, and to the way he made use of her to procure his clandestine consumptions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "cloudy eyes" to subtly convey sadness, confusion, or illness. Avoid overuse, as it can become a cliché.

Common error

Be mindful that while "cloudy eyes" can be a symptom of cataracts, it's not always the case. Use medical terms when describing medical conditions specifically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloudy eyes" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "eyes". As Ludwig AI explains, it typically describes eyes that appear dull, glazed, or lacking clarity. This is evident in various examples from Ludwig, such as describing a person's emotional state or indicating a medical condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cloudy eyes" is a common and versatile expression used to describe eyes that lack clarity or appear dull. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is descriptive, often indicating a medical condition, emotional state, or simply a lack of focus. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, reflecting its applicability across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is important to be aware of potential confusion with specific medical terms and to use it judiciously to avoid cliché. Alternatives such as "dull eyes" or "glazed eyes" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foggy eyes

Similar to cloudy, emphasizing the obscuration of clarity.

dull eyes

Focuses on the lack of brightness or sharpness in the eyes.

lackluster eyes

Describes the eyes as lacking vitality or shine.

glazed eyes

Emphasizes a lack of focus or emotional depth.

expressionless eyes

Highlights the absence of emotion or vitality in the eyes.

lifeless eyes

Conveys a sense of being inanimate or lacking spirit.

dim eyes

Refers to a reduction in visual acuity or sharpness.

opaque eyes

Suggests a lack of transparency or clarity, often implying a hidden meaning.

vacant eyes

Emphasizes a lack of awareness or engagement with the surroundings.

murky eyes

Implies a lack of emotional clarity, possibly hinting at hidden depths.

FAQs

How can I use "cloudy eyes" in a sentence?

You can use "cloudy eyes" to describe a physical symptom of illness, old age, or to symbolize a character's emotional state, such as sadness or confusion. For example: "His cloudy eyes suggested he hadn't slept in days."

What are some alternatives to "cloudy eyes"?

Alternatives include "dull eyes", "glazed eyes", or "expressionless eyes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "cloudy eyes" or "clouded eyes"?

Both "cloudy eyes" and "clouded eyes" are acceptable, but "cloudy eyes" is more common. "Clouded eyes" might emphasize the process of becoming cloudy, while "cloudy eyes" simply describes the state.

Can "cloudy eyes" be used to describe animals?

Yes, "cloudy eyes" can describe a symptom of illness or aging in animals. For example, "The vet examined the dog's cloudy eyes and suspected cataracts."