Meaning
To fail to notice something that is clearly visible.
Cultural Background
Used frequently in family and friend settings to lighten the mood after a mistake. Commonly used in Austria as well, though sometimes with a slightly different regional inflection. Understood and used, though Swiss German speakers might have their own local variations for the same concept. This is one of the first idioms taught to learners because it is funny and easy to visualize.
Use with friends
Only use this with people you know well to avoid being rude.
Visualizing
Always visualize the tomatoes to remember the phrase.
Meaning
To fail to notice something that is clearly visible.
Use with friends
Only use this with people you know well to avoid being rude.
Visualizing
Always visualize the tomatoes to remember the phrase.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Du hast Tomaten auf den ____.
The idiom is 'Tomaten auf den Augen haben'.
Which verb is used with this idiom?
Ich ____ Tomaten auf den Augen.
The idiom uses the verb 'haben'.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Tomaten auf den Augen haben -> ?
It means failing to notice something clearly visible.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ich finde mein Handy nicht. B: ____
This is the appropriate response for someone missing something obvious.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDu hast Tomaten auf den ____.
The idiom is 'Tomaten auf den Augen haben'.
Ich ____ Tomaten auf den Augen.
The idiom uses the verb 'haben'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It means failing to notice something clearly visible.
A: Ich finde mein Handy nicht. B: ____
This is the appropriate response for someone missing something obvious.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is too informal.
It can be if used in the wrong context.
Because they are round and red, like a blindfold.
Related Phrases
Auf dem Schlauch stehen
similarTo be mentally blocked
Blind wie ein Maulwurf
similarBlind as a mole
Den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht sehen
similarNot seeing the forest for the trees
