Meaning
To look intently at something without distraction.
Cultural Background
In French media, this phrase is the 'go-to' expression for election nights. You will hear news anchors say 'La France a les yeux rivés sur les résultats.' While used in Quebec, you might also hear 'être scotché' or more English-influenced expressions, but 'yeux rivés' remains the standard for formal journalism. This phrase is essential for 'Le Tour de France' commentary, describing fans watching the cyclists climb difficult mountains.
Agreement is Key
In writing, always remember the 's' in 'rivés'. It's a common mistake even for native speakers in fast texting.
Don't use with 'à'
English speakers want to say 'riveted TO', but in French, it is always 'riveted ON' (sur).
Meaning
To look intently at something without distraction.
Agreement is Key
In writing, always remember the 's' in 'rivés'. It's a common mistake even for native speakers in fast texting.
Don't use with 'à'
English speakers want to say 'riveted TO', but in French, it is always 'riveted ON' (sur).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Pendant le film d'horreur, nous avons les yeux ____ sur l'écran.
'Yeux' is masculine plural, so 'rivés' must agree.
Which preposition is correct?
Elle a les yeux rivés ____ son livre.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'sur'.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Select the best context:
The phrase implies intense, unmoving focus.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi tu ne me réponds pas ? B: Désolé, j'ai les ____ rivés sur cette info importante.
The idiom specifically uses 'yeux' (eyes).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPendant le film d'horreur, nous avons les yeux ____ sur l'écran.
'Yeux' is masculine plural, so 'rivés' must agree.
Elle a les yeux rivés ____ son livre.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'sur'.
Select the best context:
The phrase implies intense, unmoving focus.
A: Pourquoi tu ne me réponds pas ? B: Désolé, j'ai les ____ rivés sur cette info importante.
The idiom specifically uses 'yeux' (eyes).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, the idiom is fixed as 'les yeux' (plural). You wouldn't say 'l'œil rivé' in standard usage.
Yes, it's neutral and professional. 'Nous avons les yeux rivés sur les chiffres du trimestre.'
Not necessarily. It can be positive (focus) or negative (obsession/distraction).
Related Phrases
Être scotché à
similarTo be stuck to something (like tape).
Dévorer des yeux
similarTo devour with one's eyes.
Sauter aux yeux
contrastTo be obvious (to jump to the eyes).
