eyes in the back of one's head, to have
have eyes in the back of (one's) head
To be or seem to be able to detect what is going on all around one, even beyond one's field of vision. My mom always seems to know when we've done something we shouldn't have. She has eyes in the back of her head! Look, just be very careful not to do personal things during the work day—the boss has eyes in the back of his head.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
have eyes in the back of one's head
Fig. to seem to be able to sense what is going on behind or outside of one's field of vision. My teacher seems to have eyes in the back of her head. My teacher doesn't need to have eyes in the back of his head. He watches us very carefully.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
have eyes in the back of your head
observe everything that is happening even when this is apparently impossible. 1991 Barbara Anderson Girls High They were all in Miss Royston's class who said that she had eyes in the back of her head and they half believed it, because how else did she know.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
have eyes in the back of your ˈhead
(informal) seem to be able to see everything and know what is going on: You have to have eyes in the back of your head to keep control of six lively children.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
eyes in the back of one's head, to have
To be exceptionally alert. This expression dates from Roman times, appearing in Plautus’s play Aulularia (ca. 210 b.c.) and cited by Erasmus in his collection of adages. Put slightly differently, it appeared in John Still’s play Gammer Gurton’s Needle (ca. 1565): “Take heed of Sim Glovers wife, she hath an eie behind her!” (2.2).
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer