Have eyes in the back of your head Meaning in English

expression

US

HAV EYZ in thuh BAK uhv yor HED

UK

hav EYZ in thuh BAK ov yaw HED

Definition

To be very aware of everything happening around you, especially things happening behind you or that you can't easily see. Often used to describe someone who notices things others would miss.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, often humorous expression. Commonly used about parents, teachers, or people in authority who seem to notice everything. Usually in the form "someone must have eyes in the back of their head" or "you have eyes in the back of your head." Not literal; it's never used literally.

• Spanish: tener ojos en la nuca
• Portuguese (BR): ter olhos nas costas
• Portuguese (PT): ter olhos nas costas
• Chinese (Simplified): 后脑勺长眼睛
• Chinese (Traditional): 後腦勺長眼睛
• Hindi: पीठ के पीछे आँखें होना
• Arabic: عيون في مؤخرة رأسك
• Bengali: পেছনেও চোখ আছে - পিছনে চোখ আছে
• Russian: глаза на затылке
• Japanese: 後ろにも目がある
• Vietnamese: có mắt sau lưng
• Korean: 뒷머리에 눈이 있다
• Turkish: arka kafasında gözü olmak
• Urdu: سر کے پیچھے آنکھیں ہونا
• Indonesian: memiliki mata di belakang kepala

Example Sentences

My mom has eyes in the back of her head. She always knows what I'm doing.

basic

Teachers seem to have eyes in the back of their head in class.

basic

You must have eyes in the back of your head to catch every mistake.

basic

How did you know I was texting under the desk? Do you have eyes in the back of your head or something?

natural

She always catches us when we try to sneak out. It's like she has eyes in the back of her head.

natural

If you think you can fool him, forget it—he has eyes in the back of his head.

natural