to be on the qui vive

1 definition found

to be on the qui vive - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Qui vive \Qui` vive"\ (k[-e]` v[-e]v"). [F., fr. qui who + vive,
     pres. subj. of vivre to live.]
     The challenge of a French sentinel, or patrol; -- used like
     the English challenge: "Who comes there?"
     [1913 Webster]
  
     To be on the qui vive, to be on guard; to be watchful and
        alert, like a sentinel.
        [1913 Webster]