qui vive

[ kee veev ]

1. who goes there? (used as a sentry's challenge)

qui vive

/ ˌkiː ˈviːv /

noun

1. on the qui vive
   on the alert; attentive

Word History and Origins

Origin of qui vive¹

1720–30; < French: literally, (long) live who? (i.e., on whose side are you?)

Word History and Origins

Origin of qui vive¹

C18: from French, literally: long live who?, sentry's challenge (equivalent to "To whose party do you belong?" or "Whose side do you support?")

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the qui vive, on the alert; watchful:

   Special guards were on the qui vive for trespassers.

Example Sentences

The girls crowded into Assembly that morning, all on the qui vive to hear what the principal would have to say.

From Project Gutenberg

One knows no peace, but lives ever on the qui vive, with one eye and ear to the keyhole, so to speak.'

From Project Gutenberg

No one has yet enjoyed any spiteful fun at Mrs. Depew's expense though many were on the qui vive for entertainment.

From Project Gutenberg

The wax candles in the chandeliers burned brilliantly, and we were all on the qui vive to know what was coming.

From Project Gutenberg

The Boches, on the qui vive, kept the night luminous with rockets and drooping flares.

From Project Gutenberg