Meaning
To have excellent eyesight or keen powers of observation.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used in the 'Dictée de Pivot', a famous French spelling competition, where participants must have an 'œil de lynx' to avoid traps. In Quebec, you might also hear 'avoir des yeux de chat' for night vision, but 'œil de lynx' remains the standard for sharp detail. The 'Accademia dei Lincei' (Academy of the Lynxes) in Italy influenced French intellectual circles. It promoted the idea that science requires the sharpest eyes. In French flea markets (marchés aux puces), having an 'œil de lynx' is essential to spot a valuable antique hidden among junk.
Use it for proofreading
In a French office, this is the #1 compliment for someone who catches a typo. It makes you sound very native.
Singular vs Plural
While both are used, 'un œil' sounds slightly more sophisticated/literary than 'des yeux'.
Meaning
To have excellent eyesight or keen powers of observation.
Use it for proofreading
In a French office, this is the #1 compliment for someone who catches a typo. It makes you sound very native.
Singular vs Plural
While both are used, 'un œil' sounds slightly more sophisticated/literary than 'des yeux'.
The 'Lyncée' connection
Mentioning the mythological origin (Lyncée) in a conversation will impress French speakers and show C1-level cultural knowledge.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte du verbe 'avoir'.
Si tu continues à t'entraîner, tu _______ bientôt un œil de lynx pour les détails.
The context 'bientôt' (soon) requires the future tense.
Quelle situation correspond le mieux à l'expression 'avoir un œil de lynx' ?
Situation :
The idiom refers to visual precision and finding small things.
Complétez le dialogue de manière naturelle.
A : 'Regarde, il y a une petite tache sur ton col.' B : 'Oh, je ne l'avais pas vue ! _________'
This is the standard idiomatic response to someone noticing a small detail.
Associez l'expression à la profession la plus probable.
Qui a le plus besoin d'un 'œil de lynx' ?
Proofreaders must spot tiny errors, which is the figurative meaning of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSi tu continues à t'entraîner, tu _______ bientôt un œil de lynx pour les détails.
The context 'bientôt' (soon) requires the future tense.
Situation :
The idiom refers to visual precision and finding small things.
A : 'Regarde, il y a une petite tache sur ton col.' B : 'Oh, je ne l'avais pas vue ! _________'
This is the standard idiomatic response to someone noticing a small detail.
Qui a le plus besoin d'un 'œil de lynx' ?
Proofreaders must spot tiny errors, which is the figurative meaning of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's redundant. It's mostly used for humans to compare them to the (mythological) sharp sight of the lynx.
It is always 'de lynx'. Using 'du' would imply a specific lynx sitting in front of you.
Not at all. It is a 100% positive compliment about someone's skills or health.
No, that's not a standard idiom in French for sharp vision, though 'voir comme un chat' is sometimes used for night vision.
The most common opposite is 'être myope comme une taupe' (blind as a mole/bat).
No. For hearing, use 'avoir une oreille fine' or 'avoir une oreille de biche'.
Yes, it's common in journalism and literature, though less so in scientific papers.
Because of the phonetic confusion with the Greek hero Lyncée. English didn't have that specific phonetic overlap.
Yes: 'Il avait un œil de lynx dans sa jeunesse.'
No, it's a standard idiom. Slang would use 'avoir des boussoles' or 'avoir des yeux de ouf'.
Related Phrases
Avoir l'œil
similarTo be observant or watchful.
Avoir le coup d'œil
similarTo be able to judge a situation or object instantly.
Ne pas avoir les yeux dans sa poche
synonymTo be very observant (literally: to not have one's eyes in one's pocket).
Avoir une vue de taupe
contrastTo have very poor eyesight (like a mole).
