English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Blue eyed boy
Meaning
The idiom "blue eyed boy" is used to describe someone who is naive, innocent, or unsuspecting. It can also refer to someone who has a tendency to trust others without question or caution. The phrase "blue-eyed" is often associated with being pure and unblemished, which further reinforces the meaning of the idiom as referring to a person who is innocent or untainted.
Usage
- He's such a blue-eyed boy; he doesn't know anything about life yet.
- Don't trust that blue-eyed boy - he'll double cross you in a heartbeat.
- She's always been so naive and trusting, like a true blue-eyed boy.
- He had a shock when he realized how many people had taken advantage of his blue-eyed trust.
- I was so excited to meet the famous actor, but then I realized he was just a blue-eyed boy trying to make it big. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. In some cases, "blue-eyed" can be used as an adjective to describe someone's physical appearance, while in other cases, it is used as a noun to refer to someone who is innocent or naive. Additionally, the phrase "blue-eyed boy" can have a negative connotation when used to describe someone who is trusting without question, as seen in the second sentence above.
Roots and History
The origin of the phrase "blue-eyed" as a term for an innocent or unsuspecting person is not entirely clear, but it has been used in English since at least the 16th century. The earliest known use of the idiom in this context was in William Shakespeare's play "Henry V," where he wrote, "He is a fair sweet boy, and a blue-eyed child." Over time, the meaning of the phrase has evolved to include not just physical appearance but also personality traits. Today, "blue-eyed" is commonly used as an idiom to describe someone who is innocent, naive, or unsuspecting.
Synonyms in English
- Innocent
- Naive
- Trusting
- Unsuspecting
- Gullible
Synonyms in other languages
- Français: "Innocent" (also "naïf")
- Español: "Inocente" (also "naíve")
- Deutsch: "Innocent" (also "naiv")
- Italian: "Innocente" (also "ingenuo")
- Portuguese: "Inocente" (also "ingênuo")