eyes-only

IPA/ˈaɪzˈəʊnli/
IPA/ˈaɪzˈoʊnli/

eyes-only — idiom

1. describing a written message or file that is meant to be read by the named perso

1.idiomC1
Definition

describing a written message or file that is meant to be read by the named person it is sent to, and by nobody else at all

Example

The sealed envelope was marked eyes-only and delivered straight to the ambassador in Brussels.

marked eyes-only — typical stamp on classified mail

Sayaka stamped the briefing notes eyes-only before passing them to the chief detective.

stamped eyes-only + object pattern

Common collocations
  • eyes-only memo
  • eyes-only cable
  • eyes-only file
  • marked eyes-only
  • stamped eyes-only
Synonyms
  • for your eyes only

    a longer, more conversational version of the same stamp; often quoted on envelopes

  • confidential

    much broader; covers any restricted material rather than naming a single reader

  • classified

    official security label; describes the document's grade rather than its specific reader

Antonyms
  • open

    freely circulated and not restricted to one named reader

Grammar Patterns

marked eyes-only

stamped eyes-only

an eyes-only document

Usage Note

Almost always used before a noun (eyes-only memo, eyes-only file) or as a stamp on a document. Strongly associated with diplomatic, military, and intelligence settings; rare in everyday office use.

Common Mistakes

The report was eyes-only secret.
The report was eyes-only.
Do not stack 'eyes-only' with 'secret'; the phrase itself already signals restricted access.
Idioms

have eyes only for

idiom

to feel romantic interest in one specific person and notice nobody else as a possible partner

Since the spring concert, Jiwoo has had eyes only for the new pianist from Seoul.

Several classmates flirted with Nora, but she had eyes only for Piotr from the chess club.

Etymology

English

The label 'eyes only' grew out of twentieth-century military and diplomatic practice, where a sealed packet was meant for one named reader so that no other pair of eyes would ever see it. The hyphenated adjective 'eyes-only' became the standard way to mark such documents.