Street
shine your eye
What does shine your eye mean?
A warning or piece of advice to be vigilant, watch out for trouble, or not be naive in a situation.
"Shine your eye for that market o, plenty pickpocket dey there."
Origin
Compositional Pidgin idiom meaning "be alert"; documented on naijalingo.com and buzznigeria's Pidgin phrase list.
Frequently asked questions
What does "shine your eye" mean?
It means to stay alert, be vigilant, and not be naive about your surroundings.
When would someone say it?
Often as a warning before going somewhere risky, like a crowded market or a shady deal.
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