English

Alternative forms

• believe one's own eyes

Verb

believe one's eyes

1. (idiomatic) To believe that something which one directly sees is truly the case.
   • 1884, Edward Payson Roe, Nature's Serial Story, ch. 59:

     [H]e could scarcely believe his eyes as she appeared on the floor unsurpassed in beauty and grace, her favor sought by all. Was that the simple girl who . . . had leaned against his shoulder?

   • 1914, Zane Grey, Light of the Western Stars, ch. 3:

     She was so amazed at the change in him that she could not believe her eyes.

   • 2004 July 5, "Charisteas: We are the Best in Europe," Sofia News Agency (Bulgaria) (retrieved 27 August 2013):

     Millions of Greeks worldwide erupted in joyful celebration, hardly believing their eyes after Greece beat hosts Portugal in the Euro 2004 finals.

Usage notes

• Usually used in the negative form, e.g. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Related terms

• believe one's ears

Translations