open (one's) eyes

1. To see or realize the truth about something. Open your eyes, Stan—they're just using you for cheap labor!

2. To cause one to see or realize the truth about something. The documentary really opened my eyes about the conditions in that country.

open someone's eyes

enlighten someone about certain realities; cause someone to realize or discover something.

1998 Scoular Anderson 1314 & All That These events opened his eyes to what had happened to his country. Now his one wish was that Scotland should be independent.

See also: eye, open

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

Reading this might make one other person go 'that's how my partner is' but it might just open someone's eyes," she added.

Devastated mum speaks out after her partner committed suicide weeks after their son was born; The family of a dad who took his own life after struggling with anxiety and depression have set up a mental health support group in his memory

I have been to more vegan marches and protests than I can count, and I never want to shy away from an opportunity to open someone's eyes to the truth.

The Vegetarian Journal's 2015 Essay Contest winner: Helpers

But hopefully it might open someone's eyes to see if it could be done slightly differently if it occurred again.

Cricket: No happy returns at Rake Lane; Player row has major impact on season

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