vive : Idioms & Phrases

Index

on the qui vive
qui vive
To be on the qui vive

on the qui vive

noun lively attentiveness
sharp-sightedness; alertness.

WordNet

qui vive

noun condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
alert.
- bombers were put on alert during the crisis

WordNet

Qui` vive"

Etymology

F., fr. qui who + vive, pres. subj. of vivre to live.

Definitions

The challenge of a French sentinel, or patrol; -- used like the English challenge: "Who comes there?"

Webster 1913

To be on the qui vive

to be on guard; to be watchful and alert, like a sentinel.

Webster 1913