Example: Cal tenir pa a l'ull per evitar problemes futurs.
Definition
"Tenir pa a l'ull" is a Catalan expression meaning to be cautious or vigilant in order to prevent future problems. It implies keeping a close watch on situations to avoid difficulties, similar to the English phrase 'keep an eye on things.'
Translations
To be oblivious
No enterarse de nada
Blind zijn voor wat gebeurt
Ne rien voir venir
Tomaten auf den Augen haben
Etymology
The phrase "tenir pa a l'ull" literally translates to 'to have bread in the eye,' which might seem odd at first. Its origin is uncertain, but it likely uses 'bread' metaphorically to represent something valuable or essential that one must watch carefully. Did you know that such food-related expressions often emphasize the importance of vigilance in daily life?
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"Tenir pa a l'ull" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
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To be oblivious