Passing Phrase - www.learnhebrew.org.il

(Hachacham) Einav Berosho

Literally: (A wise person) - his eyes are in his head
Idiomatically: With eyes in his head, comprehends the situation

The phrase comes from Ecclesiastes (2:14) and describes a person who is level-headed and grasps quickly the consequences of an action. The idea of equating eyes and seeing with wisdom can also be found in everyday English. When we explain a concept and it is understood the usual reaction is "I see," meaning I understand. The phrase is customarily used without the preceding "hachacham" (a wise man).

After a really bad season one paper wrote:

במצב כזה מאמן שעיניו בראשו צריך להתפטר.

"Bematzav kazeh, ma'amen she'einav berosho tsarich lihitpater."

In such a situation a coach with his eyes in his head should resign.


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