a critical eye
Meaning(s)
1. to look at something carefully, examining, ensuring everything is correct and as it should be
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
to look at/examine something with a critical eye
Analysis
If you observe or review something with a 'critical eye' you are in a negative frame of mine and looking for the negatives in the work or situation, rather than positives. This may allow you to point out mistakes or play 'devil's advocate'. You might ask someone to take a look at your work 'with a critical eye' in order to get honest feedback, rather than fishing for praise. This is an idiomatic phrase used primarily in educational and professional environments.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- We need to ensure there are no mistakes in the business plan. I'll run a critical eye over it and get back to you.
- I have examined the accounts with a critical eye, and there are some expenses I'm not happy with.
Social Examples (Advance)
- My mother has such a critical eye, she criticizes everything I do and never compliments me.
- If you examine cheap products with a critical eye you can often find defects or discover that the quality is not very good.