Read full poem →[Footnote 2: Pope who had only once set eyes on Dryden, and had no
acquaintance with him, marks his admiration by including him in this
Dictionary Entry
To see; to observe.
In a Sentence
“When she finally set eyes on the mountain peak, she felt a rush of excitement.”
Origin
First recorded in 16th‑century English, referring to directing one's eyes toward something.
Common Phrases
Still being gathered for this entry.
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Poetry examples for “set eyes on”
Excerpts from the ReadingWillow English Library collection.
Read full poem →And, "Madam," quoth he, "may this bit be my poison,
A prettier dinner I never set eyes on!
Pray, a slice of your liver, though, may I be curst,
Read full poem →“The same.” “What a pity! How does it surprise one:
Two handsomer culprits I never set eyes on!”
Then their friends all come round me, with cringing and leering,
Read full poem →And, ‘Madam,’ quoth he, ‘may this bit be my poison,
A prettier dinner I never set eyes on;
Pray a slice of your liver, though may I be curs’d,
Read full poem →‘The same.’—‘What a pity! how does it surprise one!
Two handsomer culprits I never set eyes on!’
Then their friends all come round me with cringing and leering,