on the qui vive

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qui vive (k

)

A sentinel's challenge.

Idiom:

on the qui vive

On the alert; vigilant: "a loathsome Dublin politico who is on the qui vive for . . . terrorists" (Julian Moynahan).

[French, (long) live who? (a sentry's challenge to determine a person's political sympathies) : qui, who + vive, third person sing. present subjunctive of vivre, to live.]

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms

Noun

on the qui vive - lively attentiveness

sharp-sightedness, alertness

attentiveness - the trait of being observant and paying attention

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? References in classic literature

air alert
alert
attentiveness
preparedness
qui vive

red alert
sharp-sightedness
strip alert
To be on the qui vive

He sat like a man who is perpetually on the qui vive.

The Illustrious Prince by Oppenheim, E. Phillips View in context

We were on the qui vive till daylight, and prepared for the combat.

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Verne, Jules View in context

We're pretty well forward here and we have to keep on the qui vive.

The Kingdom of the Blind by Oppenheim, E. Phillips View in context

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on the one hand
on the other hand
on the pad
On the point
on the Q.T.
on the QT
On the quarter
on the qui vive
on the rag
on the road
On the shady side of
on the side
on the sly
on the spot
on the spur of the moment

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