Clap eyes on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkɫæp/ /ˈaɪz/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

KLAP EYEZ AWN

UK

klˈæp/ /ˈaɪz/ /ˈɒn

kl-AP eyez ON

Definition

To see someone or something, often for the first time or unexpectedly. This is an informal and somewhat old-fashioned expression.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used in British English and often sounds humorous or old-fashioned. Typically paired with "the first time I ever..." or "as soon as I...". Do not use in formal writing. Can express surprise or emotion upon seeing someone/something.

• Spanish: ver - poner los ojos en - mirar (por primera vez)
• Portuguese (BR): ver - pôr os olhos em - olhar (pela primeira vez)
• Portuguese (PT): ver - pôr os olhos em - olhar (pela primeira vez)
• Chinese (Simplified): 见到 - 第一眼看到
• Chinese (Traditional): 見到 - 第一眼看到
• Hindi: नज़र पड़ना - पहली बार देखना
• Arabic: رأى - شاهد لأول مرة
• Bengali: দেখা - প্রথমবার চোখে পড়া
• Russian: увидеть - впервые увидеть
• Japanese: 目にする - 初めて見る
• Vietnamese: nhìn thấy - bắt gặp lần đầu
• Korean: 보다 - 처음 보다
• Turkish: gözünü dikmek - ilk kez görmek
• Urdu: دیکھنا - پہلی نظر ڈالنا
• Indonesian: melihat - melihat untuk pertama kalinya

Example Sentences

I knew I loved her the moment I clapped eyes on her.

basic

That's the most beautiful car I've ever clapped eyes on.

basic

He fainted the first time he clapped eyes on blood.

basic

"Where's the book?"—"I haven't clapped eyes on it all week."

natural

I haven’t clapped eyes on him since we left school.

natural

She instantly fell in love the second she clapped eyes on that puppy.

natural