qui vive
noun /ˌkiː ˈviːv/
/ˌkiː ˈviːv/
Word Originlate 16th cent.: from French, literally ‘(long) live who?’, i.e. ‘on whose side are you?’, used as a sentry's challenge.
Idioms Idioms
on the qui vive
- paying close attention to a situation, in case something happens
- He's always on the qui vive for a business opportunity.