- To agree with someone; to share the same opinion or perspective on a particular matter.
- Often used in the negative (don't see eye to eye) to indicate disagreement.
Explanation
Origin
- Has biblical roots, appearing in Isaiah 52:8 in the King James Version: ...they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.
- The imagery suggests looking at something from the exact same viewpoint, hence having the same perspective or understanding.
- It implies agreement based on shared perception.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Be on the same wavelength (understand each other well, similar thinking)
- Be cool with that / Be down with that (agree to something)
- Vibe with that (agree or feel positive about an idea/person)
- Word / True dat (expressing agreement, slang/AAVE)
Milder/Standard:
- Agree / Disagree
- Concur / Differ
- Share the same view / Have different views
- Are in agreement / Are not in agreement
Situational Appropriateness
- Suitable for a wide range of contexts, from informal conversations to formal business discussions.
- A standard and neutral way to express agreement or disagreement.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Fairly straightforward idiom. The visual metaphor is quite intuitive.
Examples
- We don't always see eye to eye on parenting styles, but we make it work.
- It's refreshing to work with colleagues who see eye to eye on the project goals.
- My manager and I finally see eye to eye after our discussion.
Dialogue
Manager: How did the meeting with the design team go? Are you on the same page about the new interface?
Employee: Yes, finally! After some back and forth, we see eye to eye on the layout and features.
Manager: Excellent. That's a big step forward.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: It's rare, but always satisfying when you and your boss see eye to eye on a major decision. #worklife #agreement
- Facebook Post: My partner and I don't always see eye to eye on politics, but we always respect each other's views. #relationships #respect
- Forum Comment: Glad to see others see eye to eye with me on this issue!
Response Patterns
- If positive (We see eye to eye): Relief or agreement (That's great, Good, I'm glad we agree, Excellent).
- If negative (We don't see eye to eye): Acknowledgment (Yeah, that can be tough, I see), curiosity (Oh? What's the disagreement about?), sometimes suggesting compromise (Maybe you can find some common ground?).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After agreement: Confirming the plan or next steps (So, we're agreed on...?).
- After disagreement: Exploring the differences (What's your perspective on it?), seeking understanding, or deciding how to proceed despite the disagreement.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Describes a state of agreement or disagreement, usually in response to a situation or discussion.
Intonation
- Usually equal stress on eye to eye, sometimes slightly more on the first eye.
- We finally SEE EYE TO EYE. or We don't SEE eye to eye.
Generation Differences
- Common and understood across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in all major English-speaking regions.