occhio d'aquila
The English phrase "eagle eye" can be translated into Italian as occhio d'aquila.
The term is used to describe someone who possesses excellent eyesight or a particular ability to notice fine details.
Meaning: someone with good eyesight, someone with an eye for detail (noun)
Which one should you use?
While occhio d'aquila is the standard way to express this, you may also encounter Occhi di lince (lynx eyes) or Occhi da falco (hawk eyes) to convey the idea of exceptional visual acuity.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the occhio is central to a widespread superstition involving the 'malocchio' or 'evil eye'. To ward off this curse, people often wear a small red horn charm called a cornicello.
- The phrase occhio d'aquila can be used as a warning. Telling someone occhio! in a casual setting is the standard way to say 'watch out' or 'be careful'.
- While English uses the eagle, Italians often prefer occhi di lince to describe sharp vision. This refers to the lynx, a wild cat believed in folklore to see through walls and identify hidden things.
Examples in context
- Maria ha un'eccellente vista acuta come quella di un'aquila.Maria has excellent eyesight as sharp as an eagle's.
- Mauro ha occhi di lince. Non gli sfugge mai nulla!Mauro has lynx eyes, he never misses anything!
- Durante la partita, Luca ha dimostrato veri occhi da falco nel rilevare ogni minimo dettaglio.During the game, Luca showed real hawk eyes in noticing every tiny detail.
- Hai un vero occhio d'aquila.You really have an eagle eye.
- Il fotografo ha un occhio d'aquila per i dettagli.The photographer has an eagle eye for detail.
- Con il tuo occhio d'aquila, troverai subito l'errore.With your eagle eye, you will find the error immediately.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are looking at a complex architectural drawing.
- LorenzoGiulia, hai visto quella piccola crepa nel disegno?Giulia, did you see that tiny crack in the drawing?
- GiuliaSì, hai un occhio d'aquila, Lorenzo!Yes, you have an eagle eye, Lorenzo!
- LorenzoGrazie, cerco di non perdere nulla.Thanks, I try not to miss anything.
- GiuliaÈ molto utile per questo lavoro.It is very useful for this job.
