on the qui vive

Definitions

In a state of heightened vigilance, especially prior to battle.

Examples

“The political influence⟳ wielded by many of the court ladies, and especially by the first lady-in-waiting (mother of the present⟳ Emperor), bears a certain resemblance to that which the eunuchs wielded under the later Manchus at the court of Peking. […] And behind the 30 ladies-in-waiting there are the rank and file⟳ of female palace attendants, some 300, all of Kyoto stock⟳—quite sufficient to keep⟳ any conscientious chamberlain on the qui vive.”

“The question⟳ of who pressed the bell that sounded in Erskine's room, in the night, was a great source of worry⟳ to Watt, for a time, and kept him awake⟳ at night, on the qui vive.”

CEFR level