To catch your eye / eye-catching
| Helen: | Hi Chris, I see you've got an interesting new jumper. |
| Chris: | Ah, yes. I went to the market this weekend. I wasn't looking for a new jumper but I walked past a vintage clothing stall and this just caught my eye. |
| Helen: | Ow, did it hurt? |
| Chris: | No, no. It's just a way of saying it attracted my attention and it made me want to take a closer look. I eventually bought it for only £10. What do you think? |
| Helen: | Well, it's OK. But I don't really like the yellow colour with orange sleeves. It's a bit bright. |
| Chris: | What do you mean? |
| Helen: | I have to be honest Chris: bright colours don't really suit you. |
| Chris: | Oh. Well, it might not be to your taste, but I'm sure other people will like it. |
| Helen: | Jen, what do you think of Chris's outfit today? |
| Jen: | Wow, that's an eye-catching jumper! Don't tell me you actually paid for that? |
| Chris: | Wh- |
| Helen: | An eye-catching jumper. So when it catches your eye, you notice it. |
| Jen: | That's right, Helen. But eye-catching doesn't necessarily mean it's bright—like Chris's interesting jumper. It can be something that you quickly see because it surprises or interests you. |
| Chris: | You can also catch other people's eyes. |
| Helen: | Urgh, I hope no-one throws their eyes at me! |
| Chris: | It's a gesture that can be romantic—to catch someone's eye across a crowded room. Let's listen to some examples: |
| Jeff was about to give up and leave when he caught Sophie's eye at the bar. | |
| David was impatient to leave the restaurant and raised his hand to catch the waiter's eye. | |
| Chris: | So you can grab someone else's attention by looking at them with your eyes. |
| Helen: | Hmm. If I see someone I like, should I be polite and ask them if I can catch their eye? |
| Chris: | No, it's just something you do when you look at someone. You don't need to ask. |
| Helen: | I'm looking around the room. I'm looking around the room. And now I'm looking at you, Chris. I'm catching your eye. |
| Chris: | That's right. |
| Helen: | I'm catching your eye! |
| Chris: | Well, it is only temporary. If you look for any longer it can become a stare. |
| Helen: | I've caught your eye! |
| Chris: | Yes, yes you have ... OK, you are definitely staring at me now. |