Meaning
To set something as a clear goal, objective, or priority; to keep it in focus.
Cultural Background
In the modern Arab corporate world, using this phrase in a presentation or a report signals that you are 'Istratigi' (strategic). It is the language of 'Vision 2030' and other national development plans. Classical poets used similar imagery to describe the focus of a lover or a warrior. The 'eyes' are seen as the gateway to the soul's intent. Teachers in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan frequently use this to motivate students before national exams (Thanaweya Amma). In religious discourse, one is often encouraged to 'set the afterlife' or 'God's pleasure' before their eyes to maintain moral integrity.
Use it in Interviews
Using this phrase in a job interview instantly makes you sound like a C1 speaker. It shows you have 'vision'.
Don't pluralize 'Nasb'
Even if the subject is plural (we, they), 'Nasba' stays singular. Only 'eyes' becomes plural (A'yunina).
Meaning
To set something as a clear goal, objective, or priority; to keep it in focus.
Use it in Interviews
Using this phrase in a job interview instantly makes you sound like a C1 speaker. It shows you have 'vision'.
Don't pluralize 'Nasb'
Even if the subject is plural (we, they), 'Nasba' stays singular. Only 'eyes' becomes plural (A'yunina).
The 'Ayn' factor
In Arabic, the 'eye' is the center of focus, envy, and insight. This phrase uses the 'positive' power of the eye.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
الموظف المجتهد هو من ___ مصلحة الشركة نصب عينيه.
The subject 'الموظف' (the employee) is singular masculine, so the verb must be 'يضع'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Select the correct sentence:
This sentence uses the correct register (state development) and correct grammar (feminine verb for 'State').
Match the subject with the correct form of 'eyes'.
Match the following:
The possessive suffix must match the subject of the sentence.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate response.
المدير: كيف سنواجه هذه الأزمة؟ الموظف: سيدي، لقد ___ .
This is the grammatically and idiomatically correct formal response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالموظف المجتهد هو من ___ مصلحة الشركة نصب عينيه.
The subject 'الموظف' (the employee) is singular masculine, so the verb must be 'يضع'.
Select the correct sentence:
This sentence uses the correct register (state development) and correct grammar (feminine verb for 'State').
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The possessive suffix must match the subject of the sentence.
المدير: كيف سنواجه هذه الأزمة؟ الموظف: سيدي، لقد ___ .
This is the grammatically and idiomatically correct formal response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but it's rare. You could say 'He set revenge before his eyes,' but it's usually used for constructive ambitions.
It is 'Nusba' (with a Damma on the Noon). Some dialects might mispronounce it, but 'Nusba' is the correct MSA form.
You say: 'أضعُهُ نُصْبَ عينيَّ' (Wada'uhu nasba 'aynayya).
Related Phrases
هدف إلى
synonymTo aim at
صب اهتمامه على
similarTo pour his interest onto
غض الطرف عن
contrastTo turn a blind eye to
طمح إلى
builds onTo aspire to
