under one’s very eyes: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "under someone's nose" is closely related to "under one's very eyes." Both idioms convey the idea that something is happening or existing in close proximity to someone, yet it goes unnoticed. "Under someone's nose" suggests that the person is not aware of what is happening right in front of them, despite it being within their immediate vicinity. This can be due to a lack of attention, distractions, or simply not paying close enough attention to their surroundings. Just like "under one's very eyes," this idiom highlights the contrast between what is visible and what is truly perceived.

In a similar vein, the idiom "in plain sight" is also relevant to the concept of "under one's very eyes." Both idioms emphasize the idea that something is happening or present right in front of someone, yet it goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. "In plain sight" suggests that the object or event is completely visible and easily noticeable, but the person fails to see it or recognize its significance. Whether it's due to being preoccupied or simply not expecting to find something significant in such an obvious place, the idiom highlights the irony of overlooking something that is right in front of them.

"in front of one's nose" is another idiom that pertains to the theme of things going unnoticed despite being within someone's field of vision. It suggests that the person fails to see or recognize something that is happening or existing directly in front of them. The idiom emphasizes the idea that the person's focus or attention is directed elsewhere, causing them to overlook what is right in front of them. Similar to "under one's very eyes," this idiom highlights the contrast between what is visible and what is truly perceived.

The idiom "hidden in plain sight" relates to the concept of "under one's very eyes" by emphasizing the idea that something is concealed or disguised in a way that makes it blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult to notice. The idiom suggests that the object or event is in plain sight, yet remains hidden or unnoticed due to its deceptive appearance or the person's lack of attention. Just like "under one's very eyes," this idiom highlights the irony of overlooking something that is right in front of them.

The final idiom, "lay eyes on," also relates to the concept of "under one's very eyes" by highlighting the act of seeing or noticing something for the first time. "Lay eyes on" implies that the person has not previously seen or encountered the object or event, but upon doing so, they recognize its presence. This idiom can be used to convey a sense of surprise or astonishment when someone finally sees or becomes aware of something that was previously unnoticed, just like in the case of "under one's very eyes."