wary eye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wary eye" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to look at something or someone with caution or suspicion. Example: The detective cast a wary eye over the suspect as he gave his alibi for the night of the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nevertheless, Mr. McGrath's wary eye is just the right kind.

The New York Times

Lawmakers also have a wary eye on the electoral landscape.

The New York Times

I'd keep a wary eye on both of them.

The New York Times

Mounk also casts a wary eye at tribalism.

The Guardian - Books

And all are watching the economy with a wary eye.

The New York Times

Always, they kept a wary eye out for the police.

The New York Times

Choreographers should approach great literature with a wary eye.

The Guardian

The practice began 40 years ago under the wary eye of the Soviet authorities.

The New York Times

It casts a wary eye at the Federal Reserve, too, suggesting it should be eliminated.

The New York Times

THE Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the West Bank under Israel's wary eye, is nearly broke.

The Economist

Lebanon has kept a wary eye on the flow of Palestinians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance imagery, pair "wary eye" with descriptive verbs such as "cast", "keep", or "survey", which vividly illustrate the act of observing with caution.

Common error

Avoid using "wary eye" in situations that require a neutral or positive outlook. Overusing it can create a negative or distrustful tone where it's not intended. Ensure the context aligns with the sense of caution the phrase conveys.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wary eye" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often modifying a subject to indicate a cautious or suspicious manner of observation. It paints a picture of someone assessing a situation or individual with a degree of distrust or concern, consistent with the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wary eye" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone observing a situation with caution or suspicion. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, to convey a sense of distrust or potential danger. When using "wary eye", it's important to ensure the context aligns with the sense of caution it conveys and to consider alternatives like "suspicious glance" or "guarded look" for slightly different nuances. Avoid overusing it in contexts that require a neutral or positive tone. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for adding depth and nuance to descriptions of observation and assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suspicious glance

Replaces "eye" with "glance" and "wary" with "suspicious", focusing on a brief, distrustful look.

guarded look

Emphasizes the protective aspect of being cautious.

distrustful gaze

Highlights the element of distrust and replaces "eye" with "gaze", implying a longer look.

watchful gaze

Emphasizes the act of watching with attention and care.

cautious observation

Shifts from a visual focus to a more general act of careful watching.

alert observation

Highlights the state of being ready to notice any potential issues.

circumspect view

Uses "circumspect" to indicate caution and replaces "eye" with "view", suggesting a broader perspective.

vigilant watch

Focuses on alertness and careful monitoring.

careful scrutiny

Indicates a thorough and cautious examination.

skeptical outlook

Shifts the focus to a general attitude of doubt and questioning.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "wary eye" in a sentence?

Use "wary eye" to describe someone's cautious or suspicious observation. For example, "The traveler cast a "wary eye" on the dark alley." It suggests a potential threat or uncertainty.

What are some alternatives to "wary eye"?

Consider alternatives like "suspicious glance", "cautious observation", or "guarded look" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "wary eye" and "vigilant eye"?

"Wary eye" implies caution and suspicion, while "vigilant eye" suggests attentiveness and alertness. "Wary" indicates a sense of distrust or potential danger, whereas "vigilant" simply means being watchful.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "wary eye"?

Avoid using "wary eye" in contexts that require a positive or neutral tone. It's best suited for situations involving potential threats, uncertainty, or when describing someone's cautious observation due to suspicion.