have an eye for (something)

have an eye for (something)

To be particularly perceptive or discriminating in a certain discipline or activity, especially an aesthetic one. I just don't have an eye for design, so I need you to help me pick out paint colors.See also: eye, have

have an eye for someone or something

Fig. to have a taste or an inclination for someone or something. Bob has an eye for beauty. He has an eye for color.See also: eye, have

have an eye for

1. Be discriminating or perceptive about something, as in She has an eye for decorating. [c. 1700] 2. have eyes for. Also, have eyes only for. Be attracted to or desire someone or something (exclusively). For example, It's obvious she has eyes for him, or He has eyes only for the top award. [Early 1800s] See also: eye, have

have an eye for something

COMMON If someone has an eye for something, they are able to notice it and use it or deal with it with skill. Mr Fromkin is a storyteller with an eye for detail and irony. With his unerring eye for light, line and colour, Greenaway has mounted one of the most beautiful drawing exhibitions ever seen.See also: eye, have, something

have an eye for

be able to recognize, appreciate, and make good judgements about a particular thing. 2003 Observer Europe's oldest continually inhabited city is Cádiz, founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 bc , but those wily Phoenicians, with an eye for a good setting, founded ‘Malaka’ further along the Andalucian coast a few hundred years later in 800 bc . See also: eye, have

have an ˈeye for something

be good at judging something: He’s always had an eye for a bargain.See also: eye, have, something