SEE

(USE EYES) [verb] [past simple] saw, [past participle] seen - to be aware of what is around you by using your eyesThey used to say that eating carrots helped you see in the dark. [I]I can't see very well without my glasses. [I]"Can you see any empty seats?" "Yes, I can see a couple in the third row." [T]There were so many people in front of us we weren't able to see what was happening. [+ wh- word]I can't believe what I'm seeing - is that car really yours? [T]The film crew didn't want to be seen. [T]Standing by the station entrance, he saw his mother before she saw him. [T]The teacher could see (that) the children had been fighting. [+ (that) clause]The woman said she saw the van park outside her house at ten o'clock. [T + object + infinitive without to]From the window we could see the children playing in the playground. [T + object + verb-ing]You were seen to enter the building at 8.30. [T + object + to infinitive; passive]She didn't want to be seen visiting the doctor. [T + object + verb-ing](figurative) The government didn't want to be seen to (= to appear to) be making concessions to terrorists. [T + object + to infinitive; passive]His parents saw him awarded the winner's medal. [+ object + past participle]See (= Look at) p. 23 for prices and flight details. [T]See over (= Look at the next page) for further information. [I]Did you see that documentary on homelessness on Channel Four last night? [T](figurative) This summer has seen the end of water restrictions in the area (= They have ended this summer) thanks to a new reservoir. [T](figurative) I don't know what you see in (= find attractive about) him. [T]See study section: Eye, eyesight and seeing(humorous) 'You ain't seen nothing yet' means that more surprising or exciting things are likely to happen.If you see red, you become very angry.She saw red when she heard that he had left without finishing the job.People like that really make me see red.If something has seen better days, it is now old and in bad condition.That jacket's seen better days. Why don't you get a new one?No one else had expected the factory to close, but we saw/could see it coming (= we expected it to happen).(UK) If you can't see someone for dust, they leave quickly in order to avoid something, or they show very little enthusiasm.If you let him know that Margaret's coming, you won't see him for dust.They were all very interested until I asked for volunteers, and then you couldn't see them for dust.If someone can't see further than/can't see beyond the end of their nose, they do not notice what is happening around them.The mess the burglars left behind had to be seen to be believed (= was difficult to believe, but really did exist).If you see stars, you are partly unconscious because you have been hit on the head.To see the colour of someone's money is to make certain that a person is going to pay for something.He said he'd buy my bike, but I'll wait until I see the colour of his money!"I'll have one of those." "Let's see the colour of your money first!" If you are pleased to see the last of (UK and ANZ also see the back of) someone or something, you are pleased that you no longer have to be involved with them.I was glad to see the back of that essay - I'd been working on it for weeks.The hotel staff couldn't wait to see the back of such a difficult guest.If you are seeing things, you are imagining that things are happening when they are not.Didn't Marie come in just now? I must have been seeing things.(informal) I wouldn't be seen dead wearing (= I certainly would not wear) a dress like that.Seeing-Eye dog is [US and ANZ] trademark for guide dog.See at guide.Something which is see-through is transparent.see-through partitionsA piece of clothing which is see-through is very thin and light, and other clothes or the body can be seen under it.a see-through blouse(saying) 'Seeing is believing' means if you see something yourself you will believe it to exist or be true, despite the fact that it is extremely unusual or unexpected."I never thought Simon would get out of bed before lunchtime on a Saturday, but seeing is believing!"(saying) 'What you see is what you get' means that there is nothing hidden.See also wysiwyg.