To see eye to eye with someone means to agree with them. This popular idiom describes a situation where individuals share the same opinion, perspective, or viewpoint on a particular matter.
The phrase "to see eye to eye with someone" is used when you or someone else agree with them; to think alike; to have similar opinions or viewpoints. It's a common way to express consensus or mutual understanding in discussions, negotiations, or relationships.
Understanding "See Eye to Eye"
This idiom is used specifically to indicate agreement or alignment in thought. It doesn't refer to literally looking into someone's eyes, but rather a metaphorical meeting of minds.
- Meaning: To agree completely or share the same perspective.
- Opposite: Often, people say they don't see eye to eye when they disagree.
According to the provided reference, this idiom has ancient origins, indicating its long history in language.
How to Use "See Eye to Eye" in a Sentence
The idiom is typically used in the structure "see eye to eye with [person/group] on [topic]".
Here are some examples:
- I hope we can see eye to eye on the project timeline.
- My brother and I rarely see eye to eye on politics.
- Despite their different backgrounds, the team members managed to see eye to eye on the main objectives.
As the reference provides:
- Example: “They finally saw eye to eye on the business deal.”
This example shows the past tense ("saw") being used, indicating that agreement was reached after a period where they might not have agreed.
Common Usage Scenarios
The phrase is frequently used in contexts involving:
- Negotiations: Reaching an agreement on terms.
- Discussions: Sharing similar opinions on a subject.
- Relationships: Having a shared understanding or perspective.
- Work: Aligning on goals, strategies, or methods.
| Usage Context | Implication |
|---|---|
| Positive | Agreement, harmony, successful collaboration |
| Negative | Disagreement, conflict, lack of consensus |
Using the phrase helps convey whether there is alignment or difference in opinion between people. It's a concise way to describe the state of agreement (or disagreement) on ideas.
