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1) Lucas is totally into you. Whenever a guy buys something so expensive it means he ..........
2) We are just friends Nancy. Why are you looking at me that way?!
1) Me and you both know the truth. Just be careful. You don't know him yet.

a. has got an eye for you
b. eyeing you

Please let me know what is the difference between these two idioms and which one for what reason is more appropriate in this case?

To me, according to the dictionary definitions, they both make a perfect sense here.

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    I don't see a definition for a) that would make sense here. B) would be my choice.
    – Micah Windsor
    May 19, 2020 at 1:17
  • Well @Micah Windsor, then why in this link (google.com/amp/s/www.wattpad.com/amp/877022934) the writer said "He has got an eye for you"? Do you see it as a mistake?
    – A-friend
    May 19, 2020 at 2:38
  • Ah yes, Wattpad. The most authoritative grammar source you could possibly choose. It's probably a mistake.
    – Micah Windsor
    May 19, 2020 at 17:52

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The dictionary definitions to which you refer actually differ slightly.

Have an eye/a good eye for something means that someone is good at noticing something. The dictionary definition gives the following example sentences:

Ernest has an eye for detail. (Ernest is good at noticing detail.)

She’s definitely got a good eye for a bargain. (She is good at noticing/spotting a bargain.)

Eyeing something/someone doesn't refer to ability, like the first one does. It refers to a way that someone looks at someone they are attracted to or something that they like/desire.

He is eyeing you. (He is looking at you in a way that shows that he is attracted to you.)

I'm eyeing this watch. (I'm looking at this watch in a way that shows I like it and/or want it.)

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  • But @Kman3 I've heard the sentence "he has got an eye for ladies" about a lustful man who was attracted to all gorgeous women. How would you define it here?
    – A-friend
    May 19, 2020 at 2:00
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    @A-friend Since, in some male social circles, it is seen as a "talent" to form relationships with beautiful women, he's got "an eye for ladies" because he has this "talent" -- he's good at noticing gorgeous women.
    – Kman3
    May 19, 2020 at 2:04
  • Well @Kman3 I see. Well, let me clarify my intention bringing up another scenario. Two close friends are talking to each other. One of them says: "my husband doesn't seem to be interest to me anymore. He often gets home late and often texts on his phone." Her friend says: "Maybe, he has got an eye for someone else (another woman)." Or "Maybe, he is eyeing someone else (another woman)." Which one seems to be correct here?
    – A-friend
    May 19, 2020 at 2:11
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    @A-friend The expression is actually 'He has an eye for the ladies'. Opinions seem to differ as to whether it means he is promiscuous or just an admirer of female beauty.
    – Kate Bunting
    May 19, 2020 at 9:01
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    If you have your eye on something or someone, it can mean that you are watching to make sure it is safe, or that a child is not misbehaving - or it can mean that you would like to possess it. If you are eyeing someone up, you fancy them as a romantic/sexual partner.
    – Kate Bunting
    May 19, 2020 at 16:36

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