See eye to eye

Definition

To agree completely with someone or share the same opinion or viewpoint on a matter.

Etymology

This phrase comes from the Bible, specifically Isaiah 52:8: 'Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.' The biblical context referred to prophets having the same divine vision, and by the 1600s it was used for any complete agreement.

Kelly Says

The physical impossibility of literally seeing 'eye to eye' unless you're exactly the same height adds charm to this phrase - it suggests that true agreement requires us to metaphorically adjust our perspective to match another's viewpoint. Interestingly, actual eye contact is crucial for human bonding and trust, making this phrase doubly meaningful.

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